The earlier you start with a foreign language, the easier it will be for your child to learn it. Up to the age of 1 year old, a child's brain is wired to assimilate all the sounds of language. After that point, the child begins to use those sounds to communicate the language.
Many with a classical education approach are choosing to teach their kids latin and greek. We are going to major on living languages, and supplement with latin and/or greek.
Our first choice is French. Next, Spanish. Once our children get to an age where they begin to develop their own preferences and can make the choice themselves, they will be allowed to choose any foreign lanuage.
We began with La Francais Facile but it didn't work for me. I started learning French in 8th grade, and followed through to 12th grade. For the first two years we couldn't figure out whether our teacher could speak English or not! That complete immersion was valuable to how easily we picked up the language. La Francias Facile claims to use a Parisienne accent, but as someone who spent 5 years listening to and being taught by a Parisienne local, I am can very clearly hear the French Canadian influence and accent in the program. I also could not get used to English and French being mixed into the same conversation. While I love the philosphy and ministry desires of the author of this program, I don't believe it is a good foundational beginning for someone who wants to be as fluent in French as possible.
We may use the program at a later stage to assimilate the vocabulary needed to share the gospel. For now, we are starting with Ecoutez! Parlez! and French songs and rhymes.
