Bilingual education is not limited to school. For your child to progress and thrive in a bilingual environment, parental support at home is essential. Good practices at home complement the teaching received at an international school in Paris and strengthen mastery of French and English from an early age. To understand how to choose the right school, see our article: How to Choose an International School Paris.
Creating a Stimulating Language Environment
Children learn best when they experience the language daily:
- Speak regularly in English and French at home: alternate languages depending on the time of day or activity
- Expose your child to bilingual content: books, songs, cartoons, or age-appropriate podcasts
- Encourage exchanges: ask open-ended questions and let your child respond in the appropriate language
These practices reinforce immersion and make learning natural and intuitive, as explained in The Importance of Language Immersion in an International School Paris.
Integrating Languages into Daily Activities
Bilingualism can also be practiced outside the classroom:
- Bilingual educational games: puzzles, board games, or suitable apps
- Daily routines: discuss meals, routines, or activities in both languages
- Creative and cultural workshops: cooking, crafts, or theater in French and English
These activities help your child connect language to concrete, playful experiences.
Encouraging Reading and Writing
Reading and writing in both languages develop vocabulary and comprehension:
- Bilingual books or original versions: adjust the level to your child’s age and skills
- Daily writing: keep a small journal, make lists, or write short stories
- Discuss readings: ask questions about the story to stimulate thinking and oral production
Regular reading perfectly complements school learning and prepares for future academic paths, as explained in The Benefits of Bilingualism from Kindergarten.
Creating a Positive and Motivating Environment
Emotional support is also crucial:
- Recognize effort and progress: praise your child when they use a new word or expression correctly
- Don’t insist on perfection: mistakes are a normal part of learning
- Lead by example: use both languages in your daily life to show their usefulness and enjoyment
A motivating environment reinforces autonomy and confidence, essential for thriving in an international school in Paris.
Collaborating with the School
Partnership between parents and teachers optimizes the bilingual journey:
- Attend meetings and regular exchanges to monitor progress
- Practice at home the activities suggested by teachers
- Share interests and specific needs to adjust support
This collaboration ensures consistency between school and home learning.
Supporting bilingualism at home perfectly complements the education received at an international school in Paris. Regularly speaking the languages, integrating bilingualism into daily activities, encouraging reading and writing, creating a positive environment, and collaborating with the school are simple yet effective practices.
