How to Teach French at Home (Even If You Don’t Speak It)

If you’ve ever thought, “I’d love for my kids to learn French, but I don’t speak it myself…” — you’re not alone.

When I first started homeschooling, I felt the same hesitation. I grew up speaking French (I’m a French native), but I also teach many parents who don’t know the language at all. And here’s the truth I’ve discovered: you do not need to be fluent to give your children the gift of French.

With the right tools—songs, games, books, and simple daily habits—your children can learn French at home, joyfully and naturally, even if you’re starting from zero.

This guide will walk you step by step through how to teach French at home, with practical ideas, recommended resources, and encouragement to keep it simple and fun.

Why Teach French at Home?

French is more than just another school subject. It’s a doorway to culture, connection, and mission.

A Global Language – French is spoken on five continents and in over 29 countries. Learning it opens the world for your children.
A Homeschool Advantage – Teaching French at home allows you to tailor learning to your child’s pace and interests.
A Heart Connection – For faith-based families, French becomes a tool for ministry, mission, and sharing God’s love in another language.

Even if you don’t speak French, your children can still thrive with the right structure and resources.

Step 1: Start Small With Words You Already Know

Believe it or not, you already know some French. Words like bonjour (hello), merci (thank you), café, and croissant are part of everyday English conversations.

Practical Tip: Pick one word a day and use it around the house.

“Bonjour, Sarah!” at breakfast
“Merci for setting the table.”
Label a few household items in French with sticky notes (chaise = chair, porte = door).

Before long, your child will start repeating these words naturally.

Recommended Resource: My “Learn French Words for Kids“ books are wonderful for beginners. They combine simple vocabulary with pictures, making French approachable for little learners (and parents too!).

Step 2: Use Songs to Make French Stick

Children absorb language best through rhythm and repetition—and songs are the perfect tool.

Classic French songs like Frère Jacques, Alouette, and Sur le Pont d’Avignon are not only fun but also packed with vocabulary.

Practical Tip:

Sing one song each week.
Add hand motions or a dance to reinforce the meaning.
Use YouTube or Spotify to find recordings and sing along together.

Resource Spotlight: Learn French and Go offers free French songs and lyrics designed for beginners. Many parents in my homeschool community use them during morning time.

Step 3: Make It Playful With Games

French doesn’t have to feel like “schoolwork.” Children learn more when it feels like play.

Here are some family favorites:

Color Hop: Place colored papers on the floor. Call out the color in French (rouge! bleu! jaune!) and have your child jump to the right one.
Scavenger Hunt: Say an object in French (livre = book) and let your kids race to find it.
Simon Says in French: Simple commands like saute! (jump), cours! (run), assis! (sit).

Step 4: Build a Simple Routine

You don’t need hours of French lessons every week. In fact, 5–10 minutes a day is more than enough for beginners.

Here’s a sample homeschool rhythm:

Monday: Game day (Color Hop or scavenger hunt)
Wednesday: Song practice
Friday: Storytime (read a bilingual picture book together)

Keeping it light and consistent makes French a joy instead of a chore.

Step 5: Use Audio & Books as Helpers

Even if you’re not confident with pronunciation, technology can help.

Tips for Non-Fluent Parents:

Play short French audio clips during snack time or car rides.
Repeat together without worrying about being perfect.
Pair audio with visual books for stronger memory.

Recommended Resources:

Learn French and Go audio resources for beginners.
Picture books like First 100 Words in French.
Bilingual Bible storybooks for faith-based families.

Step 6: Connect Faith + French

As Christian homeschool parents, many of us want language learning to point back to purpose. Teaching children simple verses or faith words in French can be powerful.

Try teaching your child John 3:16 in French:
“Car Dieu a tant aimé le monde qu’il a donné son Fils unique.”

Start with one verse a month, adding motions or song to make it fun.

This not only builds language skills but also shows children how they can share God’s love across cultures.

Overcoming Common Concerns

“But my pronunciation is bad!”
Don’t worry—children learn best by listening to audio or songs. Your role is to model curiosity and consistency.

“We don’t have time for a whole curriculum.”
Great! You don’t need one. A few minutes sprinkled into your day works wonders.

“I don’t want to confuse my child.”
Research shows kids can handle multiple languages naturally. It’s not confusion—it’s enrichment.

Free Resources to Get You Started

If you want to begin today, here are some trusted tools:

Learn French and Go — free songs, audio, and family-friendly lessons.
Learn French Words books — simple vocabulary with pictures for kids.
French Free Starter Bundle — includes games, audio, and printables for homeschool parents.

You Can Do This

From one homeschool mom to another: teaching French at home doesn’t require fluency. It just takes small steps, joyful resources, and a heart that says “we’re learning together.”

Remember, your kids don’t need a perfect teacher—they need a consistent, loving guide.

So today, pick one word, one song, or one game. And watch your children’s faces light up as French becomes part of your home.