18 month baby to learn French!

M

mama_miamia

Registered User
Hello! I am new to Hong Kong and I am desparately looking for a centre for my 18 month baby to learn French, but I couldn't find one that is qualified to teach it.

Any ideas?

Thanks!
 
Hi mama_miamia, welcome to Hong Kong! I'm new to this forum too!

I had exactly the same problem and searched for a long time, then I found "HK KIDZ" in Central. All their teachers are native and experienced. My child reallly enjoys his lessons there!
 
Thanks reei & jenflower, I'll take a look at those suggestions. I'm trying to narrow it down to the Hong Kong Island area though. Thanks again.
 
jenflower, thanks I just got back from my visit to HK KIDZ. The centre is nice and colourful, met with the teacher and some parents there.

I didn't register my child in their programme yet, but I am definately keeping this place in mind.

Do you suggest I take their summer course programme or their regular programme? I am hoping to register by next week.
 
reei, They actually have playgroups set for 1-3 years old and then some other courses for older children (up to 12). She said there's also courses for students and adults as well!

I went to visit their centre today, and they were explaining to me what they do, the kinds of courses they offer and I was quite surprised to know they offered so many languages (I am now interested in Spanish).

Do you have children learning languages too?
 
Hi mama_miamia

I am interested to let my daughter attend spanish playgroup. She is 22 months old now. I'll wait a little longer because I want her to get a place in kindergarten first before introducing a new language to her. Have to sort of prepare for interview and she is not answering questions most of the time. She only answers when she is in the mood. As I work, I will probably enrol her in weekend class, Sundays maybe.

How about you? When do you enrol and which is your preferred days?
 
Hi reei

That is nice, I was a bit hesitant to introduce a new language to my son as well. Then I noticed many other children begin learning languages at an even younger age, then I thought why not?

I was planning to enrol my child during the weekdays (Mondays, Wednesdays, and maybe Fridays). Still thinking about it though, I still want my son to join the French playgroup first.
 
Does it really worth it? I mean, introducing the baby to a new language, when that language is not regularly used at home.

Actually my sis had the same idea when she had her son few years ago. She said that the baby brain is like a sponge, and will absorb whatever he is in contact with. So she started speaking to her baby in Cantonese and Spanish. Her husband speaks really bad Cantonese, so he just spoke in English with the baby. She also placed the baby in a nursery, and the lady was from mainland China, so was kind of speaking to her son in Mandarin. ... Although my sister was swearing that the baby was able to understand a lot, he wasn't talking till he was like 2 year old (I know, some baby develops the verbal ability later than others)... And was basically a mix of every language he had contact with.

Now the kid is 3 year old. My parent went to visit them few months ago (in Vancouver) and ended up complaining that the kid doesn't speak Cantonese, but only English...
 
hmm.. it is not worth it , if the language is not used often enough. not just for kids, even for adults being away from malaysia for a long time, i tend to forget how to say certain words in malay. languages,, just like any skills if you dont practise often enough, you just lose touch with it.
 
I also think it might be worthy of a try? I have a close friend (they are english speakres) that has a Cantonese nanny and the nanny has been taking care of their child for 4 years now. The child eventually caught on to some Cantonese when she was younger, but now she understands but cannot speak simple Cantonese words anymore.
Generally, I think if the child continues to learn the language it will be worthy?
 
Yes, that is what I mean. If you are really going to keep using the language, then it would worth it... Otherwise, would just bring up confusion to the kid... Like if you don't speak French or Spanish, what would be the point to put the kid to a French or Spanish playground, if he/she will not have the change to use what he/she has learned outside the playground?

I think Hong Kong provides a good environment for kids to learn Cantonese, Mandarin and English..... Other languages than those, may not worth it, unless they also use it at home.
 
Hi mama_miamia, I am glad you like the centre.

I agree with the others too, it is certainly important to keep up with the language learned. I hope your son will enjoy his lessons there as much as my child does!
 
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