2 young children starting school

[sorchajames]

Hi,

We are moving to Jarnac ( Charente, 17) from  Spain next month.   I have read alot on the site which has been very helpful re education for your children, so thanks for that.  My children are aged 5 ( 6 in August ) and 7 years of age and at present don't speak any French.  Our move has been very last minute so we havent been able to prepare them at at as yet.  The first thing I would like to do is to find them some sort of French tutoring for the summer to help their entry into school a bit.  Any thoughts or contacts?  would be gratefully received.

My other question is 1)  Does anyone know if anyone is in the schools during the summer holidays generally speaking? 

We are thinking that we will not be able to go into the schools until we arrive which is after the end of term in July.  Would it be best to leave it until the beginning of September when the schools open.  I know this is very late but I am not sure we have any other option.  What do you think the reaction would be?  I know I have to go to the Mairie to get a entry form.  Is their likely to be a problem with places?

I understand from the site that my 6 yrs old ( this August ) would be due to go into CP and my 7yr old ( 8 next March ) CE1. Would it be a good idea for them to both be in the same class e.g CP for support or do you think this would be a bad idea ( ie sticking together and not mixing/ learning the language. Obviously, it will be up to the school in the end where the are put.

Our french is v bad at the moment, so it all seems a bit daunting but I am sure it will all work out in the end.  I want to make it as easy as possible for the kids as I know it will not be easy for them.

Thanks again for all your help and useful info on the site,

Sorchajames

[Panda]

Hello

The schools in these parts (16) close at the end of June(ish) and as far as I've ever seen there is no one in them during the holidays.  The mairie will still be open for some of the summer though not all so you can register them at least.  I doubt you will have a problem getting them in but choice maybe restricted, as far as reaction goes, they will be happy to receive new intake in their school, you shouldn't get any adverse reaction, we never have.  Choice of CP,CE1 is all down to their age and whilst they may start them one year behind (although not likely at their age) putting them both in together won't help them I don't think as they've got to learn the language and speaking to each other will slow this down.

As you are coming from Spain, do they speak Spanish?  If so the learning curve will be slighly less, I had friends in my french class who were spanish and the cross over between the languages makes the learning a little easier, this coupled with the fact that they can already speak two languages will help them.

Large towns do have summer school but this is only ususally for July in my experience as everyone disapears in August so again that may not be viable.  I have seen adverts where french students studying for an english degree offer to teach children, that might be a good option for you for the summer, they would be able to help in other ways too with forms etc.

Where will you be in 17, play days with bi-lingual kids might help too?

Panda

[Danny]

Hello Sorchajames,

Firstly, I think you are very wise to get your children speaking as much french as possible before they start school. Lessons would be great, but even better would be to ask around locally and see if you can get them to play with some french children of a similar age. Preferably seek out children that you know will be in the same class as your two, so at least they will have someone they recognise on the first day. I know it's daunting at first if you are underconfident in the language too, but if you can muster up the courage to invite a couple of kids round for gouter, or afternoon tea, for a couple of hours then other parents will probably be more than willing to hand them over in the hot summer months! If it were me I would stick to one friend each or the french kids will overwhelm yours. Do you have girls or boys? My boy has learnt the most french from the girl that lives opposite us - she is nearly 2 years older but is used to younger children and is patient enough (sometimes!) to understand when he really doesn't understand and when he is just being awkward. Other boys that come round are more intent on play-fighting and generally running round like nutters rather than playing games and colouring-in - our son has learnt a lot more from the calmer games! If you can't find other kids before school starts then I would recommenc lessons and then I would be mean - let them watch their favourite dvds etc but only in french (if there is a language option) and let them watch as many kids programmes as possible in french. Cartoons are cartoons and if they are bored kids will watch them in whatever language - it is amazing what seeps in without them realising it.

Our school does not open in the holidays - we went to the mairie and were told to go direct to the school but this was term time, so they must have a procedure for the holidays. Before registering our son at the school we had to provide his health book (livret de famille), a certificate from the doctor to say that he was fit for school and had all relevant vaccinations, proof that insurance had been taken out (this could probably wait until day one at school - they will probably recommend a company to you), and proof of our address.

Looking back on my son's first few weeks at school I am now glad there were no other english-speaking kids. I think he would have latched on and it would have taken him even longer to make french friends and want to communicate with them. So, I would say it's probably best to keep your two apart unless you feel strongly otherwise.

They are still very young and it will be hard to see them struggle but after a few months you will suddenly realise how much easier it is for them than it is for you. We are now learning french vocab from our four and a half year old. Admittedly it's words like 'fart' and 'scribble' but you have to start somewhere!

The very best of luck,

Jane

[Panda]

Hi Both

How very true Jane, I still get pulled up on my pronunciation now and also get to learn the odd word I would never hear in polite conversation!

You'll be fine and they'll be fine as we were and Jane and Danny plus brood clearly are!

good luck and keep in touch.

Panda

[Mike Adam]

I also moved to France my young children

I found this guide on Internet French Property that has some useful information about education in France.

http://www.french-property.com/guides/france/public-services/school-education/

[nancy]

Hi,

We live in a village close to Jarnac and I think you would need to

telephone the schools before they finish for the summer. My children go

to a school in Jarnac and they finish on 4th July. My two younger

children went in to the correct classes for their age and seem to be

coping well.

I know  hard it is and how much, as mums, we worry about our

children , so let me know if I can be of any help. We have lots of

activities for the children,  they do need to register for the

organised activities but there is a pool in Jarnac, swimming in the

river, horseriding and really mine just enjoy playing out .

Good luck with your move,

Amanda