Lingotot Sutton

People often ask me why I chose to leave secondary language teaching and focus on younger children.

The answer is simple: I honestly believe that the younger you start learning a language the better.

When I was at school (a long time ago now!) I didn’t start learning French until I was 11 and at secondary school.

I fell in love with it instantly (and later German too) but many of my friends in the class struggled and were self conscious about trying new words out and putting themselves forward to join in our answer a question.

My fond memories of my language lessons were of singing songs and playing games and using the new words we had learnt.

Had I started this journey in primary school, I can only imagine I would have loved my language lessons more.

I have been lucky (during my 21 years of teaching) to teach children languages from the ages of 0-18 and what have I learnt?

In short, when children are young they are much less self conscious and more keen to speak and sing in another language.

It becomes a habit for them, part of their routine so that, by the time they start YR7, they are enthusiastic and well rehearsed in the practice of singing and conversing in another language.

Imagine how many enthusiastic linguists we could have at secondary school if they have had the proper learning experience at primary school!

1). It’s easier to learn a language when you are young
2). Develops communication skills
3). Broadens cultural understanding
4). Strengthens cognitive skills
5). Prepares children for secondary school
6). Builds confidence
7). A specialist teacher brings expertise and enthusiasm

What do you think?

Hello!

Are you local to Sutton and looking for a few hours work a week using your language skills?

I am looking for a French or Spanish speaker to join the team to run weekly after school club sessions (up to four per week)

Let me know if you are interested by sending me a message and please share with your friends!

Merci,

Sarah

Want to know why our after school language clubs are so fun? Don’t ask us, just listen to Charles who comes to one of our clubs!

This week in our afterschool clubs we are going to the zoo to learn some of the animals in French and Spanish!

They really loved this elephant craft!

👋🏻 Hello! Bonjour! ¡Hola! Guten Tag!

Just thought I would reintroduce myself for anyone who doesn’t know anything about me (the face behind the business)

Thanks for following me! Anything else you would like to know? Drop me a question!

This week in our after school clubs we have been learning about farm animals! I love that they have been not only writing the word ‘mouton’ but adding an adjective too ❤️

We have had so much fun making our crafts in our after school clubs this week.

We always finish with a craft which allows the children to write a word or a sentence in French or Spanish to consolidate their learning and it is always their favourite part of the class!

This week in our after school clubs we are learning about mini beasts in French and Spanish!

Do you know how to say ladybird in French?