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Community Corner

Ooh La La! Foreign Language Programs For Tots In The Neighborhood

A round-up of the best foreign language programs in the area for children under age 5

With parents ready to do just about anything to give their kids a leg up in school (Nursery University, anyone?), many families are now raising their kids to be bilingual. From native French speakers looking to instill their home language in their children at an early age, to parents dropping off kids at Mandarin and Hebrew classes without speaking a word of it themselves, the demand for language programs which cater to young children has reached epic proportions.

Believe it or not, there are multiple classes for your soon-to-be bilingual kid that can be found throughout the neighborhood. We've rounded up some of the best ones for you to choose from.

 

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Bonjour Les Amis (137 Clinton Ave.; (718) 797-1353; no website)

Geared towards children ages 2-5, this immersion program for young French speakers uses a variety of fun activities to get kids learning such as cooking, arts and crafts, and dance. With extremely small size classes and two teachers for each lesson, children will learn how to speak in French on subjects related to their families, the local neighborhood and the world around them. 

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The classes take place from Monday to Wednesday and are for an hour each day. For specific information on class times and schedules, e-mail info@urbu.com 

 

TriloK Preschool (159 Adelphi St.; 718-398-0333; www.trilokfusion.com)

Looking for your child to learn something besides Spanish or French? For a truly impressive young prodigy, take them to this pre-school that offers classes in exotic languages like Hindi and Japanese, as well as unique African drumming and Indian movement classes. Download a full brochure of programs at their website.

 

Lango Kids NYC (Various locations; 917 287-1361; www.langokidsnyc.com)

With classes in Spanish, French, and Mandarin, and locations all throughout the city, Lango Kids NYC is considered to be at the forefront of programs, workshops, and informational resources for bilingual families. They also offer “Tot and Parent” Spanish classes at Mark Morris Dance Group every Tuesday from 10:30-11:15 a.m.

 

Musica Para Mi (Various locations; 718-643-6660; www.musicaparami.com)

With classes for children as young as 5 months old, director Graciela Carriqui believes it’s never early to have children immersed in a foreign language. Using fun music classes that include traditional songs from several Spanish speaking songs, kids have to the opportunity to play instruments and sing in a second language. Their Clinton Hill classes at Still Hip take place on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.

 

Brooklyn Beanstalk (Various Locations; no phone; www.brooklynbeanstalk.com)

This local language center for young children focuses on full immersion in French and Spanish through their playgroups, after school programs, and private sessions. Led by native speakers with extensive teaching experience, children are exposed to new languages through movement activities, art projects, and music, among other things. Their Clinton Hill Spanish classes take place on Fridays at Bija Kids from 9:30-10:15 a.m. (ages 18 months-2.5 years) and 10:30-11:30 a.m. (ages 2.5-4 years)

 

Bilingual Birdies (Various locations; 646-443-1313; www.bilingualbirdies.com)

Bilingual Birdies uses the power of music to teach children how to speak in Hebrew, Mandarin, Spanish and French. Classes are taught by native speakers and involve singing along to traditional songs, playing instruments, and dancing along to the beats. Although there are no group classes in Fort Greene or Clinton Hill, they offer private classes in the neighborhood and can also create special language concerts for children’s birthday parties.

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