French Classes

My music & theatre classes are all about group connection and growth.

Through my original songs, rhythm games, and mini theatrical scenes,

each child naturally absorbs French while building cognitive skills, phonological awareness, vocabulary and creativity.

There won't be more than 10 children in classes, allowing me to focus on the connection with each.

Mini Aventuriers
(0-18 months)

This class is designed for babies and their grown-ups to share a special moment of musical discovery, with our original songs as a starting point.

I create little musical theatre games to introduce French in the most organic, playful way through movement, sound, and emotion.

We gently awaken the senses, spark curiosity for language, and nurture connection between you and your child, and with the group.

Martin Avril, our mischievous little character, pops in each session with a new sound, a new gesture, and always a little surprise.

I know it’s not always easy to feel at ease in a room full of new parents, especially with a teacher who naturally slips into theatre mode (guilty!).

But don’t worry, you won’t be asked to perform or grab a mic. You’ll simply be gently guided and your participation really makes a difference.

It helps your child feel safe, connected, and — let’s be honest — it makes everything more fun for everyone!

Les Petits explorateurs
(18-36 months)

This class is designed for very young children who are just beginning to engage with language, rhythm and group interaction.

Learning happens through music, movement and symbolic play.

Using large props such as parachutes, scarves and soft “scrunchies” that become a boat, a sea or a captain’s hat, children enter simple imaginary situations that give meaning to the French they hear.

Each session is built around:

Musical games with the voice and simple instruments,
Movement and coordination (rocking, jumping, waving, hiding, rowing),
Rhythmic repetition (beats, gestures and repeated words),
Call-and-response moments, where children are invited to echo sounds, words or actions,
Early social play, such as doing something together, following a leader, or taking turns.

Through this structure, children develop:

Phonological awareness by hearing and repeating French sounds in rhythm,

Language memory through repetition linked to movement and emotion,
Brain–body–language coordination as words are always paired with action,

early expressive skills, even before full sentences appear,

A sense of confidence and belonging in a group.

French is experienced as something they do; not something they are asked to learn.

By turning songs and objects into shared adventures, children build their first relationship with language through joy, movement and imagination.

Explorateurs en herbe (3.5/5 years old group)

In this class, children learn French through a structured musical and theatrical approach built around my original songs.

Each song is designed as a learning tool and becomes the starting point for:

Coordination games (body, rhythm and language working together),
Listening games (to sounds, words and musical patterns),

moments of response and initiative, where children are invited to answer, suggest, sing, speak or move,

Rhythmic repetition, which strengthens phonological awareness and language memory, and social play, where children take turns, imitate, lead and interact with others.

This structure allows children to develop:

Phonological awareness (through rhythm, melody and repeated sound patterns),
Linguistic memory (by hearing and using the same words and structures in meaningful contexts),
Active language production (they do not only listen; they speak, sing and respond),
Brain–body–language coordination, as movement and speech are linked, and confidence, because their voice, ideas and participation are valued.

French is not taught as a series of instructions or vocabulary lists.

It is experienced through music, movement, repetition and play, in a way that respects how young children naturally learn.

No available programs

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

Anne-Sophie

We, my 2 children and I, love Martin! Such a beautiful class. My youngest now sings in French. They also learn about music by being introduced to new instruments every week. Each child is given personal attention and Donia has such a lovely voice to listen to. I highly recommend.

Alex

What a truly brilliant experience for babies and toddlers. The 1.5 year old I nanny isn’t usually a fan of things like music and movement classes but we’ve been to Donia and Martin’s twice and she has loved it both times! Donia really meets every child where they’re at. Nobody has to join in with anything before they’re ready or do anything a particular way and if a child is especially eager to get involved she seamlessly offers them extra little tasks and responsibilities so that everyone gets to do as much or as little as they desire.

The music is brilliant!

Nayol

Donia and Martin are a fantastic team. They create a fun and magic atmosphere for both lads and grown-ups. With the help of friendly and talented musicians, they do an excellent job taking us around the world in their Valise. It always leaves us eager to experience next week travels 😄🌍I highly recommend it for kids of all ages in the early years.