Notre Programme Éducatif
Our Curriculum
At The French Maternal School, our curriculum is inspired by the French National Early Childhood Education program and designed to support children’s development in a balanced and nurturing learning environment.
Through French immersion, children participate in meaningful activities that develop their language, social, cognitive, creative, and physical abilities.
The program follows the progressive structure of the French Maternelle system, guiding children from their first school experience through the final year of Kindergarten.
By combining structured learning, play, and exploration, our curriculum helps children develop confidence, curiosity, and the essential foundations for lifelong learning.
The Foundations of Learning
Les Apprentissages Premiers
The French early childhood curriculum organizes learning into five key domains of activity, known as Apprentissages Premiers (fundamental learning skills).
These domains support the development of the whole child—academically, socially, creatively, and physically.
Language Development
Langue – Écriture / Lecture
Language development lies at the heart of the curriculum. Children strengthen their verbal communication skills while gradually discovering the foundations of reading and writing.
Learning Progression
- First Year (TPS)
Children learn basic expressions in French and become comfortable in a French-speaking environment.
- Second Year (PS)
Students learn the alphabet, begin recognizing sounds, and practice fine motor skills (graphisme). They also begin writing their first name in uppercase letters.
- Third Year (MS)
Children progress to the lowercase alphabet and develop syllable recognition and letter–sound connections.
- Final Year (GS)
Cursive writing is introduced, and reading skills are reinforced through whole-word recognition and simple word or sentence dictation (dictée).
By the end of the program, students typically develop strong verbal fluency in French and understand the connection between spoken and written language.
Becoming a Student
Devenir Élève
For many children, Maternelle is their first experience in a school environment. During these early years, children learn to adapt to routines, classroom expectations, and social interactions.
This domain focuses on developing the habits and behaviors necessary for successful learning.
Key areas include:
- Autonomy
Children learn to initiate and complete tasks independently.
- Living Together
Students develop social skills such as listening, sharing, cooperating, and respecting others.
- School Work
Children learn to focus, persevere, and complete assigned activities.
These skills form an important foundation for lifelong learning and academic success.
Discovering the World
Découvrir le Monde
This area of learning encourages children to explore and understand the world around them.
Through hands-on activities, observation, field trips, and guided experiments, students develop curiosity and critical thinking.
Children are introduced to early scientific concepts across several disciplines:
- Mathematics: numbers, quantities, and basic problem solving
- Biology: life cycles and the human body
- Physics & Engineering: how objects work and how things are built
- Earth Science: landscapes, weather, and natural phenomena
- Chemistry: how liquids interact and change
Through exploration, children learn to observe, ask questions, and make discoveries about the natural world.
Creativity, Imagination, and Artistic Expression
Perception, Imagination, Sensation et Création
Creativity plays an essential role in early childhood development. Students explore their imagination through a wide variety of artistic activities, including:
- Drawing
- Painting
- Sculpting
- Building and creative construction
Children are also introduced to music through:
- Singing French songs
- Recognizing musical instruments
- Listening to classical music pieces
At the end of the school year, students present their learning during the End-of-Year Show in June.
Physical Well-Being
Agir et s’exprimer avec son corps
Physical development is an essential component of early learning. Regular movement helps children strengthen gross motor skills, coordination, and overall health.
Daily activities include:
- Morning and afternoon outdoor recess
- Walks and outings to nearby parks
- Running, jumping, skipping, and active play
The curriculum also includes stretching, coordination exercises, and creative movement, helping children develop strength, balance, and body awareness.
Building Foundations for Future Learning
Through a balanced approach combining academic exploration, creativity, social development, and physical activity, the curriculum at The French Maternal School nurtures confident and curious learners.
Our goal is to prepare children not only for the next stage of school, but for a lifetime of learning and discovery.