As a homeschooling mom who has spent years teaching both my own boys and other families in person and online, I know the tug-of-war between wanting to give our children the world and actually finding the time to do it. French, as beautiful and useful as it is, can feel overwhelming if you’re not fluent yourself. But here’s the secret: teaching French doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. In fact, with just 10 intentional minutes a day, you can open the door to a language spoken in more than 29 countries—and plant seeds for both cultural understanding and mission-minded service.
This article will give you a simple, flexible 10-minute French lesson plan designed specifically for homeschool families. It’s easy enough for beginners, fun enough to keep kids engaged, and purposeful enough to make a lasting impact. I’ll also share some of my favorite resources—including my Learn French Words books for young missionaries, and the wonderful community at Learn French and Go—to help you take the next step.
Why 10 Minutes Is Enough
Let’s start with something that brings relief: short and consistent beats long and sporadic. Children learn languages best in small, frequent bursts. Ten minutes a day adds up to 50 minutes a week—and that’s more than enough to build vocabulary, reinforce pronunciation, and develop confidence. Think of it like watering a plant: daily drops keep it alive and growing.
When I first started teaching French to my own children, I worried that 10 minutes couldn’t possibly be enough. But after years of experimenting, I’ve seen that this approach not only works—it works better. Kids stay excited, parents don’t feel overwhelmed, and the lessons actually stick.
The 10-Minute Lesson Plan for Homeschoolers
Here’s a framework you can use right away. Adjust it for your children’s ages, attention spans, and interests.
Minute 1–2: Greeting & Prayer in French
- Begin with a simple “Bonjour!” (Hello!) and “Comment ça va?” (How are you?).
- Add a short prayer in French. Even just saying “Merci Seigneur” (Thank you, Lord) teaches gratitude and rhythm.
- This sets the tone, makes language real, and connects French with faith.
Minute 3–5: Vocabulary with Movement
- Pick a theme (colors, animals, garden words, travel words).
- Say each word aloud and have your child repeat it.
- Add movement: point to something blue, hop to a green card, or mimic the animal you name.
- Example: “Le chat” (the cat)—kids can crawl or meow.
Minute 6–8: Song or Chant
- Kids love music, and rhythm makes vocabulary unforgettable.
- Classic: Bonjour song or a simple color song.
- You can find family-friendly French music on Learn French and Go, or create your own little chant. Even clapping while repeating words counts!
Minute 9: Quick Review Game
- Flash a card or hold up an object. Have kids shout the French word.
- Play “Simon dit” (Simon Says) using your vocabulary.
- Make it fast-paced—kids love the energy.
Minute 10: Blessing & Goodbye
- Close with a French phrase your kids can treasure. Example: “Dieu t’aime” (God loves you).
- Say “Au revoir” (Goodbye) together.
- End on a positive note so kids look forward to the next lesson.
Real-Life Example: French in the Garden
One of my favorite lessons came from an afternoon in the garden. My boys learned pomme (apple), fleur (flower), and papillon (butterfly) while digging in the dirt and watching nature. That short lesson turned into a whole week of joyful repetition. It’s these everyday moments that transform French from “schoolwork” into something alive and meaningful.
That experience even inspired one of my books: Young Missionaries Learn French Words in the Garden (Amazon link here). It’s designed to weave language learning into natural, hands-on experiences.
The Mission-Minded Advantage
For Christian families, French is more than just a skill. It’s a way to prepare our children to serve and connect. With French spoken in so many parts of Africa, Europe, and Canada, even the simplest phrases can break down walls and open doors for gospel conversations.
That’s why I wrote Young Missionaries Learn French Words While Traveling (Amazon link here). It introduces everyday travel words with a heart for mission. It’s not just about vocabulary—it’s about vision.
Recommended Resources
If you’re ready to go deeper, here are resources I trust and use myself:
- Learn French and Go: An amazing hub for songs, stories, and family-friendly French resources. Their materials bring language alive in everyday homeschool life.
- Young Missionaries Learn French Words Books: Available on Amazon, these books make French fun and practical for mission-minded kids.
Tips for Success
- Consistency is key: Even 5 minutes every day is better than 30 minutes once a week.
- Don’t fear mistakes: Kids learn by hearing you try. Model joy, not perfection.
- Celebrate little wins: When your child uses a word spontaneously, cheer them on.
- Keep it light: French should feel like play, not pressure.
Final Encouragement
If you’ve ever thought, “I want my kids to learn French, but I’m not fluent”—take a deep breath. You don’t have to be fluent to lead them. With just 10 minutes a day, some joyful consistency, and the right resources, you can give your children the gift of language and a heart for the nations.
So grab your Bible, your garden, or even your breakfast table, and start today. Say “Bonjour.” Sing a song. Play a game. And watch as French becomes a natural part of your homeschool rhythm.
Because sometimes, the simplest lessons make the deepest impact.