Saturday French School

French as a Native Language - FLAM

Learn more about our FLAM classes

Launched in 2001, the French as a Native Language (FLAM) program allows French children living abroad to practice their native language and stay connected to French culture outside regular school hours. EFGH is a member of the FLAM USA and FLAM MONDE federations.

FLAM is aimed at children being raised in a French-speaking family. Our classes are taught entirely in French by trained, qualified teachers. We focus primarily on four areas of language learning:

  • Listening
  • Reading
  • Speaking
  • Writing

Students expand their vocabulary and hone their speaking skills through conversation, group projects, and memorizing classic French songs, poems, and texts. We help them further internalize what they’ve learned by having them practice writing from a very young age.

Programs customized for every level

The age ranges below are intended as guidelines only. We ensure that all students receive individualized attention for their own needs.

La Maternelle Program for French-speaking students ages 4-5

Prerequisite: Must be able to understand basic French.

Objectives: Students work on their vocabulary and develop their speaking abilities by practicing in class. Language skills are taught through cartoons, art, and activities that build motor skills. Children memorize classic French songs, poems, and nursery rhymes and sing or recite them back. They are also introduced to writing.

Les Petits Écoliers Program for French-speaking students ages 5-8

Prerequisite: Must speak and understand basic French.

Objectives: Students continue to expand their vocabulary and internalize the language through conversations in class, oral activities organized and evaluated by the teacher, and memorizing classic French songs, poems, and nursery rhymes. We prepare children to learn to read and write by teaching them how to break down words into syllables and sound out words. Students begin a rigorous reading and writing curriculum starting in the second year.

Les Moyens Écoliers Program for French-speaking students ages 8-9

Prerequisite: Must understand and communicate in French. Must also be able to read a short text in French.

Objectives: Students continue to expand their vocabulary and develop their speaking abilities. They memorize and recite or sing classic French poems and songs. They continue learning to read more fluidly and understand more complex texts. They develop the skills to master the language (spelling, grammar, verb conjugation) and learn to write different kinds of texts. The teaching team groups students according to their needs.

Les Grands Écoliers Program for French-speaking students ages 10-11

Prerequisite: Must understand and communicate in French. Must also be able to read a short text in French.

Objectives: Students continue to expand their vocabulary and develop their speaking abilities. They memorize and recite or sing classic French poems and songs. They continue learning to read more fluidly and understand more complex texts. They develop the skills to master the language (spelling, grammar, verb conjugation) and learn to write different kinds of texts. The teaching team groups students according to their needs.

Les Collégiens Program for French-speaking students ages 11-14

Prerequisite: Must be able to write short paragraphs and clearly express an opinion.

Objectives: Students explore works by famous Francophone writers. They learn to express complex ideas and develop their voice orally and in writing by writing papers and making posters on exciting topics. A deeper study of grammar helps students learn to support their ideas.

Les Lycéens - AP French Program for French-speaking students ages 15-17

Prerequisite: Must be able to write short paragraphs and clearly express an opinion.

Objectives: Students explore works by famous Francophone writers. They learn to express complex ideas and develop their voice orally and in writing by writing papers and making posters on exciting topics. A deeper study of grammar helps students learn to support their ideas.

Helpful information

FLAM classes are held on Saturdays from 9 am to 12 pm on the Awty International School campus.

For more information on how FLAM works, visit Assocations-flam.fr et Flamusa.org

Test
New students will be called in for a test (except for La Maternelle) to guide them toward the appropriate class.