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A Marathon Through Versailles Castle: Discovering the Grandeur and Hidden Gems of the King’s Estate, Home to Some of My Students

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 In this week’s Bilingual Zoom Class - our bilingual class with our French-speaking pen pals - we are going to take a little world tour of the places where my French and English-speaking students live. Google Earth is an excellent tool for discovering the world, easy to use during Zoom classes, and it always fascinates my students. We live all over the planet, we are in different time zones, and yet, we meet every Tuesday at 6 PM for some (France), 9 AM for others (Las Vegas), or 12 PM (in North Carolina) or 9 PM (Réunion Island). It’s a perfect opportunity to learn to tell time in English and French, compare our climates, etc. Interview with the family of some of our French students Some of our French students recently moved to Versailles, France. We had the pleasure of speaking with the happy mother of 6 bilingual children. Here, she shares their experiences and insights about living in this historic city. What brought you to Versailles?  My husband’s job. Where were you before and
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Why Learning Words in Context is Better

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Using weird or funny imagery to memorize vocabulary is a technique known as the “mnemonic method.” Here’s how it works: Choose a word you want to remember. Create a vivid, unusual image that links the word to its meaning. The more bizarre or humorous, the better, as it makes the memory even more unforgettable. Associate the image with the word. For example, if you’re learning the word “gregarious” (which means sociable), you might imagine a gregarious gorilla hosting a party with lots of friends. A gregarious gorilla This method works because our brains are better at remembering visual and emotional stimuli than abstract information. The strange or funny image creates a strong mental link to the word, making it easier to recall. Learning words in context means understanding how they are used in sentences and real-life situations, rather than just memorizing definitions. Here are some reasons why this approach is more effective: Better Understanding: Seeing a word in context helps you
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100 most commonly used words in French

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  Here is a list of the 100 most commonly used words in French, along with a simple sentence for each: 1. le - Le chat dort. (The cat is sleeping.) 2. de - Il vient de partir. (He just left.) 3. un - J'ai un livre. (I have a book.) 4. être - Il veut être médecin. (He wants to be a doctor.) 5. et - Marie et Paul sont amis. (Marie and Paul are friends.) 6. à - Je vais à l'école. (I go to school.) 7. en - Elle est en France. (She is in France.) 8. avoir - J'ai une voiture. (I have a car.) 9. que - Je sais que tu viens. (I know that you are coming.) 10. pour - C'est pour toi. (It's for you.) 11. dans - Il est dans la maison. (He is in the house.) 12. ce - Ce livre est intéressant. (This book is interesting.) 13. il - Il est gentil. (He is kind.) 14. qui - La fille qui chante. (The girl who sings.) 15. ne - Il ne veut pas venir. (He doesn't want to come.) 16. sur - Le livre est sur la table. (The book is on the table.) 17. se  - Il se lève tôt. (He
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The Directness of French vs. The Nuance of English: A Linguistic Insight

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  Bonjour, mes amis!  Today, I want to share a fascinating insight into how our accents reflect cultural traits. The French accent and our vowel sounds embody our straightforwardness—direct and clear. Each vowel sound in French is distinct and strong, reflecting our way of getting straight to the point. On the other hand, English vowels, especially diphthongs, reflect a tendency towards graciousness and nuance. Diphthongs are combinations of two vowel sounds in one syllable, blending together to create a more complex, flowing sound. This reflects a less straightforward approach, one that embraces subtlety and indirectness. So, when you hear the clean, crisp vowels of French, think of it as a reflection of our cultural clarity and straightforward nature. And when you hear the nuanced diphthongs of English, see it as a mirror of a more nuanced communication style.  This is my humble opinion, but I wanted to share it with you.  Had you ever thought of this before? Would you like me to hel
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From Classroom to Culture: Mastering Languages and Traveling Sustainably

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Traveling the world is a dream for many, but it comes with its challenges. One of the most rewarding ways to enhance your travel experience is by learning the local language. Here’s why it’s so important and how you can make it happen sustainably. Louvre Museum, Paris - France The Benefits of Learning a Language Enhanced Communication: Knowing the local language allows you to communicate more effectively with locals, making your travel experience richer and more immersive. Cultural Understanding: Language is a gateway to understanding a culture. It helps you appreciate local customs, traditions, and social norms. Increased Confidence: Speaking the local language can boost your confidence, making you more comfortable navigating new environments. Better Travel Experiences: From ordering food to asking for directions, knowing the language can make everyday interactions smoother and more enjoyable. The Best Way to Learn Taking language classes is an excellent starting point. Structured le
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Why Lessons4Kids Outshines Language Learning Apps

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Lessons4Kids is an international language club that offers a unique and effective approach to language learning for children around the world. Unlike traditional language learning apps, Lessons4Kids emphasizes human interaction, community building, and a blend of online and offline activities. Here’s why it stands out: 1. Interactive Human Connection At the heart of Lessons4Kids is the belief that children learn best through interaction with others. The program facilitates: Peer Interaction: Kids from different parts of the world interact with each other, exchanging letters and videos in both French and English . This not only enhances their language skills but also broadens their cultural understanding. Engaging Teacher: Margot, the French teacher, plays a pivotal role by chatting, playing games, and interacting with students during Zoom classes. Her use of facial expressions and personalized attention helps children feel valued and understood, which is crucial for effective learn
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The Importance of Human Interaction in Children’s Language Learning

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In today’s digital age, it’s tempting to rely on apps and screens for educational purposes, including language learning. However, numerous scientific studies highlight the irreplaceable value of human interaction in this process. Let’s explore why children need to interact with other humans to effectively learn any language, be it their native tongue or a foreign one. The Role of Human Interaction Human interaction is fundamental to language acquisition. From birth, children are immersed in a world of sounds, gestures, and expressions that form the basis of their linguistic development. This rich, dynamic environment is something that apps struggle to replicate. 1. Social and Emotional Cues Children learn language not just through words, but through social and emotional cues. Facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language all play crucial roles in communication. These cues help children understand context, intent, and subtleties of language that are often missing in app-based lea
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