At Petite École de Reigate, we are committed to encouraging our pupils as they learn French, a second language for most of them. As part of this commitment, our “Sac à albums” project aims not only to foster a love of reading but also to help unlock speaking in our youngest learners.

What is a “Sac à album”?

A “Sac à album” is a “Story bag”, it contains a children’s picture book related to the themes being explored in class, along with objects and games that allow children to recreate the story or engage in activities linked to the book. But these bags aren’t just tools to encourage reading—they’re designed to spark interaction, dialogue, and verbal expression, which are crucial for students learning French as a second language.

Unlocking Speech: A Key Objective

For many children, speaking in French can be daunting. They may have ideas they can’t quite express, or they may lack the confidence to speak in a language different from the one they use most of the time. This is where our “Sac à album” play a vital role.

The captivating stories and fun activities related to the books create natural opportunities for children to practise speaking French in a safe and pressure-free environment. Here’s how the project helps unlock speech:

• Creating a familiar and reassuring context: The objects and games included in the bag allow children to act out the story, mime scenes, or bring characters to life, making spontaneous use of French.
• Encouraging discussions about the book: Through exchanges with you, the parents, children are encouraged to describe characters, recount the plot, or even offer their opinions. These moments promote oral expression in a setting where they feel at ease.
• Expanding vocabulary: The stories and games introduce new words or reinforce known words that children can use in conversation, providing them with concrete tools to structure sentences and express their ideas.

How Does It Work?

Every week, pupils can bring a “Sac à album” home. As a family, you can read the story together, explore the objects and games in the bag, and complete the activities provided.

Parents: Key Players in the Process

Your involvement is crucial to maximise the benefits of the “Sacs à album”. By sharing these reading moments with your child, you can encourage them to speak, ask questions, and discuss the story’s themes. It’s a great way to support their French learning at home and help them unlock their verbal skills.

Let’s Encourage Oral Expression Together

The “Sacs à album” are not just educational tools; they are essential for the linguistic development of our young learners. By fostering verbal expression through captivating stories and games, we give each child the tools to thrive in French, helping it become a natural means of expression.

We strongly encourage you to take part in this initiative by actively engaging with your children. Together, we can help them overcome their hesitations and express their full potential in French. We look forward to seeing all our pupils make the most of this exciting literary adventure!

Join us in this initiative and help our learners unlock their verbal skills while nurturing their love of reading!