For the English version, click here.

By the time they reach nursery school, most children know many everyday words and can make simple sentences with 3 or 4 words. Although they cannot yet pronounce all the sounds and simplify some words ("pestacle"), adults can understand what they are saying and the children are eager to talk to them.

However, there is still a lot to learn, and the progress that each child will make during their kindergarten years is significant. They will grow from a vocabulary of about 300 words to an average of over 2,500. They will be able to articulate complicated words correctly, and will master almost all the complexity of the French language orally.

School is a privileged place for language learning, but it only complements the learning that takes place at home, in the family. It is therefore important that children have many opportunities to develop their language with their parents and others.

How can you support your child's language development?

1. Listen to it.

From an early age, pay attention to what he says, try to understand his words and thoughts, even when his language is still imprecise. He will learn to talk by talking, and he needs to know that you are paying attention so that he will want to share with you.

2. Answer his questions.

Children are naturally curious and ask an infinite number of questions every day. The "whys" start around 2-3 years old, followed by the "hows" around 4-5 years old. What a wonderful opportunity to develop not only their knowledge and understanding of the world, but also their vocabulary.

3. Ask questions.

Take your turn to ask your child questions. About what they see, what they think, what they do. Children rarely like questions that are too open-ended or focused on the past, such as "What did you do today at school?", but are happy to talk with you over a game or a photo album.

4. Read stories, every day.

Libraries and bookshops are full of books for children of all ages... don't be deprived, read to your child every day!

Paula Buswell