Ah, back-to-school season… For parents living abroad, it's not just about buying new school supplies. It's often the fear of our child abandoning French for the language of the host country. We put immense pressure on ourselves for them not to lose what they've learned, but in the end, this anxiety is passed on to our children and can turn learning into a chore.

So, how can we make back-to-school a time of progress and fun in French? I've prepared 5 simple and caring tips to help you see things more clearly.

1. Turn learning into a game: a Francophone routine

The secret is not to make French another class. The ideal is to integrate the language into daily moments of fun. For example, establish a "French bubble" in the evening: read stories, listen to nursery rhymes, or tell each other about your day in French, without judgment. The important thing is that these moments are joyful, not an obligation. You'll see, French will quickly become a comforting point of reference.

2. Play and create in French

Games are our best allies. A board game can be an excellent opportunity to practice conjugation or enrich their vocabulary. Art is also a great driver: encourage them to draw while listening to a Francophone song, or to create a story where they are the hero. These are ways to anchor the language in a positive, sensory experience.

3. Dive into stories and songs

Nothing beats immersion to keep a language alive. Animated films in original French, audiobooks, comic books... anything goes to make French a part of your child's world. For the little ones (7-10 years old), my Super Explorateurs program is designed as a true interactive and stimulating adventure, with lovable characters and stories to experience in French.

4. Create connections

French is, above all, a story of sharing. Arrange video calls with family in France so they can talk about their back-to-school experience. If you have a Francophone community nearby, join a reading club or an association. These encounters are essential to show your child that French is not just the language of the home, but a living language spoken by other children.

5. Take the pressure off: external support

It's sometimes difficult to manage everything. Online classes are an excellent solution to complement your work at home, without the pressure of school. At Les Explorateurs du Français, my mission is to make French fun and effective through personalized support. Whether it's with the formula for the youngest, the Petits Explorateurs, or one of our other programs, you'll find a suitable solution for French to remain a source of pleasure.

Back-to-school is a new start, not an exam. The best gift you can give your child is to show them that French is a language of love and joy, not a source of stress.