Colin Goes to French Play Group, L'Ecole Maternelle

Today was Colin's first day at his first structured playgroup, L'Ecole Maternelle (means nursery school, I think), which is held at a nearby church here in Chineham. This group is part of the L'Ecole Francaise (The French School) here in Chineham, run by a non-profit group, headed by the wonderful Chansopha Beirmann and a team of very kind people.

The group is small, only 6 today, including one boy, Robin, whom Colin has made friends with over the summer. He is French/Chinese and he and his parents and baby brother moved here recently from Bejing (moved because of his father's company). Colin loves playing with Robin at the park and now they are "partners in crime" at this playgroup, too. There are a few other boys and girls there, ranging from Colin's age to about 4 1/2. In fact, when I signed him up they told me that he had to be at least 2 years and 9 months old to join. TODAY, Colin is exactly 2 years and 9 months old! Must be fate?

The playgroup's aim is to provide pre-school children with a predominantly French-speaking play environment, so they can become familiar and be at ease around foreign languages. This should help the children to develop an ear for other languages, whichever they may learn or encounter in the future. He may pick up a few words of French, too, which will be fun for us (we've already taught him to say "Ooh La La!").

Colin seemed to really like the group, getting stuck in right away, playing with play dough, toys, and puzzles. He loved his snack of milk and carrot sticks, and they sang songs at the end of the session. They will learn a few songs in french, including "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star," although Colin just sang along in English today.

It felt a bit odd for me to take Colin and drop him off for the two hour session, as he is rarely without either Shaun or I, but I came back a little early at the end to watch for a few minutes. I had tea and chatted with the other mothers who are all very nice, one who used to live in Seattle! Small world, eh??? Anyway, I think Colin and I will enjoy the break from each other twice a week and it will be a new adventure for all of us!!!