A taste of French at primary level : a benefit or a waste of time?

Abstract

Our study is the result of a pilot-project where French was taught in Primary classes. Qualitative research method is applied because it is a practical implementation of a project. Reasons for teaching a foreign language at Primary level are presented, as well as who should be the ideal teacher. The project consisted mainly in delivering twenty one lessons throughout the year, which happened to be the European Year of Languages. This was done with girls and boys in Year 6 attending two different schools, one being a Church school and the other a Private school. The lessons were based on "Il etait un fois ... une petite grenouille", a method for young learners. The continuity of the lessons was maintained by means of the first story in this book, "il etait une fois ... un pays blanc". After receiving feedback from children through diaries, and interviewing the other stake-holders in this project, i.e. parents and Head-teachers, the outcome seems to be very clear. Furthermore, the situation of foreign languages in other countries is analysed. As an extension to our project, other activities took place in Malta and abroad. These are reported as a final stage to emphasise the importance of teaching foreign languages to young learners.