Children say bonjour to new French lessons

Organisers of Les Petit Franais believe children as young as two can pick up new languages with ease. As we get older, it becomes harder to learn, they say. Typically UK students do not take a second language until the age of 12. But classes, taking place in Finchley, aren't aimed at pushy parents.

The woman behind the scheme, Gloria Moss, believes optimum learning comes between the ages of one and seven. The English education system wastes this unique window of opportunity.

"Children's brains at those ages are like sponges, they soak everything up," she explained. "They are eager to learn and learning French is actually easier at this age, especially if it's taught the right way."

Ms Moss, who created a language training course for Eurotunnel and once taught French on cross-channel ferries, includes music, singing, role play and games in lessons. Parents are welcome to sit in on the 90-minute classes to help re-inforce learning at home.

Parent Suzanne King from Stanmore has signed her sons James, seven, and Liam, five, up for lessons.

"I have been learning French for two years with Gloria and I think it is harder the older you get," she said. "If they speak French by the time they reach secondary school they can go on to learn another language."

Ms Moss believes learning French can unlock a child's intellect, improving their thought processes, as well as sparking cultural appreciation.

Evidence also suggests once you have learnt one language, picking up another becomes easier, she explains.

"I started to learn French when I was four or five and I don't remember learning it," she said. "This sort of opportunity isn't available for most youngsters but we're trying to change that."

So-called 'hothousing' is not a new concept. And it has faced past criticism from educational professionals fearful of pushing children too far and killing the fun of learning.

But Professor Diane Montgomery, a leading expert on gifted children, welcomes lessons for very young children, providing they are done properly.

"As long as classes feature play rather than formal teaching you can be very successful," she said. "Our problem in the UK is that we totally underestimate the enormous capacity of babies.

"I have evidence that before the age of one year, babies can think logically and solve problems. They can't explain it to you but they can do it."

Professor Montgomery, Emeritus Professor of Education at Middlesex University, believes the policy of forcing young children into formal education is wrong.

"They don't start formal literature training in Norway until they are seven but by the age of ten they have surpassed British kids who started two to three years earlier," she says.

"Instead they have nursery education which this country used to be renowned for where children learn through problem solving in their own fantasy play. There is no place for that in our schools because they are all sitting at desks and learning to write neatly."

Meanwhile, Ms Moss is bracing herself for a burst of interest. "When I took classes on ferries I was struck by how positive the response was. There are a lot of people out there who want to learn and just need the right kind of environment. This is a way of giving their children a unique head start."

Les Petits Franais begins at the end of September. Classes, at St Mary's Hall in Hendon Lane, Finchley, cost £110 for 12 90-minute sessions. Call Gloria Moss on 020 8458 2879 for more information.

Children wanting to learn Chinese languages can take part in free classes starting this week at the London Chinese Culture Centre in Colindale.

Starting on Sunday, September 16 at the centre in The Hyde, Edgware Road, the classes offer weekly tuition between 2pm and 4pm up to GCSE and A-level standard.

Call 020 8982 8288 for more details.