Notes for parents

Language notes

où est la piscine?
This is not the first time your child has encountered the question word (pronounced “ooh”), meaning”where”. It is a straightforward question, as it literally means “where is the swimming pool?” The pronunciation of est has a silent -t at the end.

où est le cinéma?
This follows the same pattern as the question above, as your child will probably deduce. The vocabulary for the "cinema" is not new, so this shouldn’t present any difficulties.

tout droit
This phrase means “straight on”. It is usually accompanied by part of the verb aller, meaning “to go”, e.g: allez tout droit, meaning “go straight on”. Tout has a silent -t at the end and droit sounds a little like “drwa” in English. The -t at end is silent. As ever, listen to Mathilde for pronunciation guidance.

à droite
As Emma points out, this is a little similar to the previous direction. It is therefore worth pointing out the differences, so your child doesn't get confused. The -e on the end of droite makes the -t- be sounded. Like the above phrase, it is usually accompanied by a verb, often tourner, "to turn". e.g. tournez à droite, "turn right".

à gauche
This is the equivalent of the above phrase, but in the opposite direction. It is always useful to learn opposites together, as it can be easier to remember them this way. Gauche is pronounced a little like “goash”. Mathilde will give you the best guidance on this.


Close-up

This is the first time that Emma has had the opportunity to use the French that she has learned in conversation with “a real French person” (other than Mathilde, of course!). It is important to emphasise to your child that, even though they may only think of their knowledge of French as 5 phrases or words at a time, they can use the French they know to be understood and to make sense of what is said to them. They may be amazed to discover just how much they know and can use already. It is really worth reinforcing the need to take every opportunity and chance to speak, listen and use their French whenever they can. A little language can go a long way, and they will never know until they try. The feeling of being understood and understanding what is said back is great and one you never forget!


Cultural points

If you need to find your way around in a town, you may think of asking a policeman for directions. In France, there is more than one type of police force. The police nationale are mainly based in the larger cities and urban areas, whereas the gendarmerie nationale work in the more rural areas and smaller towns. This is essentially governed by the Ministry of Defence and deals with airport and port security too. There is also the Préfecture de Police de Paris, who, as the name suggests, work in Paris.

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