French Footprints, a Canadian Parents for French initiative, explores the benefits of learning a second language at an early age. Join host Amy Maan, a mother of three and founder of 123 Petits Pas, as she connects with language and educational experts to discuss strategies to help build the confidence of parents and better the future of their children.
Episode 12: By the Numbers: Nurturing Early French Numeracy in Your Family
Vocabulary often gets all the attention when it comes to learning French. But what about numbers? In this episode, bilingual education specialist, Katherine Caalim from Let’s Talk Science, shares how early numeracy skills like counting, patterning, and problem-solving can help children build confidence and comprehension in French. She also offers easy ways for parents to weave math into everyday routines in fun, natural ways.
Let's Talk Science's STEM Storytime:
https://letstalkscience.ca/events/stem-storytime (https://letstalkscience.ca/events/stem-storytime)
21 Jul 2025
Episode 11: Set the Stage for Engaging FSL Learning with Drama and Imaginative Play
What if French learning felt more like play than practice? In this episode, founder of 123 Petits Pas and host of French Footprints, Amy Mann, shares how drama and imaginative play can spark joyful, lasting language learning for young children. Drawing from her background in theatre and FSL, Amy offers creative, practical strategies—like role-playing, movement, puppets, and humour—that parents can use to make French feel fun, natural, and part of everyday life.
123 Petits Pas:
https://123petitspas.com/ (https://123petitspas.com/)
21 Jul 2025
Episode 10: Timeout: Setting Boundaries with Technology and Young FSL Learners
Can technology support your child’s French learning without compromising screen time? In this episode, cognitive development expert, Laiba Khaqan of Voilà / ConnectED Labs, shares differences between passive and active screen time, what to look for in educational apps, and how gamified tools boost early FSL engagement. Laiba also offers simple ways to set healthy tech boundaries to make space for meaningful language learning at home.
Voila Learning:
https://voilalearning.com/en/ (https://voilalearning.com/en/)
21 Jul 2025
Episode 9: Dispelling the Myths of FSL and Special Needs Learning
Is French too difficult for children with special needs? Dr. Fred Genesee, renowned bilingualism researcher and Professor Emeritus at McGill University, chats with Amy about the common myths around FSL and what the research actually says. Listen in for common concerns around confusion, delayed development, and why bilingualism is not only possible, but beneficial for many learners. Plus, what parents should consider when deciding to introduce FSL at home.
29 Nov 2024
Strategies to Help Prepare for French Immersion Kindergarten
Angeline Humber, a Teacher Consultant at Greater Essex County District School Board, shares practical strategies to make French Immersion Kindergarten a smoother transition for non-native speaking families.
14 Nov 2024
The Power of Storytime: Nurturing Early French Literacy in Your Family
Learn how early French literacy boosts language skills, even for
toddlers who aren’t reading yet. Karen Devonish-Mazzotta, a FSL
teacher with more than 26 years of experience in the Toronto District
School Board, explains how French storytime encourages word
association, normalises French in the home, and supports learning
through social interaction. Tune in to discover library programs and
resources available to you as a parent and role model, even if you don’t
speak French.
8 Oct 2024
Out and About: Pursuing French Learning Outside of Your Home
Looking for fun, practical ways to help you and your little ones learn
French? In episode 6 of French Footprints, Amy shares budget-friendly
activities that take learning beyond the home. Simple, language-rich
outings—like a “French Day” at a coffee shop or exploring a park and
naming things en français—help normalize using French with your kids.
Discover how everyday experiences can be used to immerse your
family in the French language. Listen in for how to make French a
natural part of your daily life.
17 Sept 2024
Episode 5: The Benefit of Using Music to Teach Young Learners French
The benefits of music and learning are well documented. The science behind it is interesting, but it’s also a lot of fun. And when you link fun to learning, children are more excited and engaged in the lessons. Amy is joined by Charlotte Diamond, teacher and writer of classic kids' songs like "Je Suis Une Pizza", to discuss how music helps children learn French. Get ready to sing along. From rhythm to repetition, listen in for practical ways you can introduce music into the learning experience at home.
Charlotte Diamond online:
● Website (https://charlottediamond.com/)
● YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7s27wsTf-mTxXLtgYabmr Q)
15 Apr 2024
It Takes a Village: Building a French-Speaking Support Network
Helping your child with a new language doesn’t have to be a solo endeavour. Amy is joined once again by Silvia Nuñez to chat about tips and strategies for engaging your child in French, while also engaging with a community of support. Amy and Silvia discuss the importance of being a good role model for your kids by being willing to learn with them. There are immense benefits of modelling for your child the courage to be imperfect and normalizing the emotions that come from making the mistake.
15 Apr 2024
Mythbusting Concerns About Starting FSL at a Young Age
Parents are naturally concerned about what’s right for their children. Amy is joined by Lauren Barlow, a speech and language pathologist, to discuss and dispel some of the common concerns of teaching French at an early age. They chat about the benefits of bilingualism, the common practice of code-mixing and why a child’s brain is primed from birth to accept multiple languages. Amy and Lauren also highlight how early exposure to French helps to create confidence once your kids are school-aged.
15 Apr 2024
It’s Never Too Early: the Importance of Bilingualism from Birth
It’s never too early to introduce a new language to your young child. Amy is joined by Silvia Nuñez, a seasoned early childhood educator, principal, and proud mother raising a multilingual family. Together, Amy and Silvia explore why bilingualism is important from a social perspective, and how learning a second language like French can contribute to cultural agility. Silvia shares why mindset matters when introducing a new language and that trying new things means knowing it’s okay to make mistakes.
15 Apr 2024
Introducing French to Your Child During Their Early Years
By learning French at an early age, children are put in a position to succeed as they continue to learn and grow. Amy explores some tips and tricks that are accessible to any parents—whether they speak French or not. She identifies easy daily activities where French can be incorporated, understanding that young children are sponges and pick up linguistic differences quickly. Learn how you can begin today.
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