The Importance of Being Grateful

“Some people grumble that roses have thorns; I am grateful that thorns have roses.”
-Jean-Babtiste Alphonse Karr

Gratitude.

It may be one of the most rewarding qualities you can have. Gratitude for God, for yourself, for others. When things are going smoothly, it's easier to be grateful. It's the times when things aren't going as planned that being grateful can have such a healing effect on your heart. Gratitude is an attitude, which may be the one thing we have control over in life. When you're appreciative, satisfaction and happiness are in reach.

Research shows that there are benefits to expressing gratitude. In one study, a group of participants was asked to make a list of things for which they were grateful once a week for a total of ten weeks. Another group of participants also made a list, but of events that they considered negative. Those who expressed gratitude over the ten weeks proved to be more satisfied and hopeful. Participants of this group also experienced fewer symptoms like aches, acne and nausea, and they exercised more than before they started making the list. The mental health of this group also showed improvement: they experienced positive emotions more often.

It's important to teach our kids the value of gratitude. The best way to teach kids a quality is to be an example of that quality. It's one thing to think grateful thoughts, and it's another to express gratitude. One way you can practise gratitude is through a gratitude journal.

Keeping a journal is simple. Find a notebook that you will be able to consistently write in.

Every night, take some time to write down three things for which you are grateful. Make sure to be specific, and ask yourself: What are you grateful for?

Founder's Story

Most people who know me will say that I am a social butterfly! I love helping people. I love sharing new ideas and resources.I also love new adventures and being independent.

I grew up in Paris, France and moved to Canada about ten years ago. It was probably the best decision that I made. I just love it here. I love the atmosphere, the diversity, the chance that we are given to be whoever we want to be!

I am a mom of two kids and without them this Club would not have seen the light. It is thanks to them that I have become a teacher, and gathered so many resources around teaching French. They challenge me everyday to be a better person and for that I am grateful to them. Being a working mama, my life is a discipline in balance, but I am blessed by it and I just want to make the best of it every single day.

I also really love languages. I grew up with a multilingual family and a father who speaks 9 languages constantly hearing various dialects and dealing with various cultures. So learning languages is second nature in our house. We mainly learned languages by singing as my dad was always humming some melodies in the house...

Why did I decide to start My French Club?

I have been teaching French to children and students since 2001. Sometimes from my home, sometimes from community centers, sometimes on a one on one basis and sometimes as a group study. I am told that I am really good at what I do and I do enjoy it. I was trained as a Project Manager and worked for many years in that position, so I am good at speaking in public and being organized. I am ecstatic to be able to earn my living now in doing what I am passionate about: helping people with the skills that God gave me. I also help students learning a new language and believe in their full potential. I really want to provide for each one of them the best possible positive and encouraging learning environment, paired with an excellent level of French.

I am so grateful to all the incredible people I meet everyday and the incredible team we have at My French Club- the wonderful community encouraging and supporting us, the team that is so full of positive and creative energy.

Beauty and creativity happen everyday in our Club!


Asma

Music as a Learning Tool

Perhaps you've been in the following situation:

You've spent a great amount of time trying to help your child learn something new, but it's just not sticking. He may seem like he's tired of trying to learn whatever it is you're trying to teach him at the moment, and you may feel exhausted yourself. You've heard "I'm bored" and "Can I play?" more than you'd care to admit. Maybe you've just heard yet another unrelated question.

Next time you find yourself in that kind of situation, try this: integrate music into your approach.
 
Music can have a profound effect on one's learning experience. Sometimes thought of as a universal language, it can be an invaluable means of conveying a message, and has been proven to provide the listener with many benefits related to learning.

Music has the potential to:
 
- create a positive, welcoming environment
- prevent tediousness in studies
- enhance attention
- improve memory and retention
- be a source of joy
- develop and encourage imagination
- alter brain wave states
- be a healthy way of releasing tension
- develop team work skills (in groups)
- enhance culture studies
- improve vocabulary and pronunciation (in language arts studies)
- develop feelings of empathy
- improve pattern recognition skills

Music can be a great tool for memory.There is a desirable state called Alpha State in which vocabulary and facts become much more easily absorbed. Studies have shown that one way to achieve this state is by listening to a piece of music from the Baroque period, with a tempo of 50-80 beats per minute.

A good device for multi-sensory learning, music can be listened to, moved to and read.Music promotes self-expression.When children listen to music, they respond to it in ways that are unique to them. Each child will sing and move to the music in his own way. Reading readiness skills are developed when young listeners appreciate words and the fact that they can take the form of print.

Music can be a source of self-worth if a child feels good about singing or dancing, being able to keep up with a song, or remembering its lyrics and melody. Fluency can be developed by listening to, imitating and, naturally repeating words and phrases set to music even if they don't know what they mean. They can build on phrases learnt through music and modify them to create different meanings.

Music helps children think in a mathematical way as it allows them to count and appreciate time. Children can develop their pattern recognition skills and make guesses about how the music will progress. Physical co-ordination skills are enhanced as children move, clap and dance to music. Also, when children sing, they must control their breathing.

At My French Club, children develop their teamwork and social skills particularly during the Singathon and Movathon program as well as the "LOL :) Learning Out Loud" program. In this way, music unites the children and fosters a sense of community.

There's one thing we cannot deny: words are powerful!

Strategically set them to music and let the magic begin!

Annual Parent Survival Night

Canadian Parents for French, West Chapter is holding its Annual Parent Survival Night on November 14 at Britannia Public School between 7:00 and 8:30pm.

As usual, this is a free event where you can come and meet other French Immersion parents to share experiences, and listen to special guest speakers.

This year, we are very excited to organize our signature Singathon and Movathon program in the child minding area (free for current CPF members; $2 for non members).

Join us on November 14th at Britannia Public School between 7:00 and 8:30pm.

1145 Swinbourne Dr.

Map: http://goo.gl/maps/ZVsq2

See you there :)

My French Club Sponsorship Program

The program provides an opportunity for children who would otherwise not be able to attend due to their families' limited income, to be part of My French Club Programs.

Getting extra academic help after school has been proven to greatly enhance a child's self esteem, organizational and learning skills.Presently, we sponsor up to 2 children in every single program that we offer. Funding comes through fees that you parents have paid for your own children. So when you register with us, you are actually giving back to your community.

Children from low income families also deserve an opportunity to do better at school and thus feel better about learning.

We are hoping to sponsor more kids as the registration numbers gradually increase.


Support us :)

Positive Affirmations

Change the way you think and you can change your life!

Although this idea isn't new, its implications are powerful. It suggests that you have the power to create a better life for yourself by altering your thoughts. There is a direct, close connection between thoughts and behavior Thus, thinking positive, goal-oriented thoughts can lead to behavior of the same nature. Positive affirmations can be sources of positive behavior. These are statements that allow one to see his/her capabilities and realize his/her potential. Positive affirmations should be meaningful to the individual, and they are often in the present tense.

In addition to generating positive self-esteem, positive affirmations can be wonderful tools for achieving academic success. Say them, repeat them and write them daily!
 
At My French Club, we set aside some time at every session to say or write positive affirmations. Here are some examples of positive affirmations that can be personalized further for your kids:

I am confident.
I am strong.
I am kind.
I am caring.
I am honest.
I am intelligent.
I am capable.
I am worthy.
I am loved.
I am loving.
I am unique.
I learn from my mistakes.
I never give up.
I choose to focus on the task at hand.
I consider the positive side of things.
I am a good friend.
I am a good listener.
I put the effort and time into things that are important to me.
I produce high-quality work.
I try my best in whatever I do.
I am creative.
I am always open to learning new things.
I am passionate about helping myself and others.
I set and strive for reasonable goals.
I respect myself and others.
I use my time wisely.


Good luck :)

My Favorite Poem : IF by Rudyard Kipling

I must have been 7 or 8 years old when my dad taught this poem to me and my siblings. He would translate it to French for us, so we could get the message, but we had to memorize it in English. That was one of my very first time being exposed to English; an invaluable first English lesson. The fact that we learnt sentences in English made it easier for us to understand the language and eventually have great command of the language.

I hope you parents can share this poem with your little ones because it has great values which they may carry with them well into their future lives.

Take the time to enjoy it :)



IF.....

IF you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting, Or being lied about, don't deal in lies, Or being hated, don't give way to hating,And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:
If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:
If you can make one heap of all your winnings,
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: 'Hold on!'
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son!


Rudyard Kipling

Pictures of the kids in the programs

Hello,

I just posted some of our latest pictures. As you can see, we're all enjoying every bit of the program. We dance, we sing, we write and and we read constantly. We love these kids and when I see them happy learning, it just makes my day. I know that all the effort and the hard work is soooooo worth it :)

A visual for Singathon and Movathon

Hands on activities: Singathon and Movathon

Learning Songs at "LOL: Learning Out Loud"

Reading Comprehension "LOL: Learning Out Loud"

Dancing at "LOL: Learning Out Loud"

Learning about measurements at "LOL: Learning Out Loud"

Kids dancing and reading at "Singathon and Movathon"

LOL: Learning Out Loud

LOL: Learning Out Loud

Positive affirmations at "LOL: Learning Out Loud"

Why should my child be part of My French Club?

Whether your child is in Core French or French Immersion, additional exposure to French is important in achieving the program goals. Just as living in an English environment contributes to the development of your children's English, similarly experiencing French outside the classroom will enhance their French skills, understanding of the culture, as well as their confidence.

Below we have listed a number of reasons, not in any order in particular, why we believe that our programs will be a great support tool for your child’s French education.

• Our teachers are either Ontario Certified Teachers or Teachers in training

• For most of us, French is our mother tongue. The rest of us have an excellent command of the language as we have been speaking and teaching French for many many years

• All our mentors have been tested and selected for their great positive attitude

• We have been in the education field for many years as tutors, teachers, representative in schools, volunteers…we know the school system inside out

• We include activities that allow our students to experience French as a living language and to be able to use it outside of the classroom

• Our programs are enriched with lots of multimedia, visual materials, videos and other resources to engage the student’s learning.

• We make it personal! Every child counts! This is your French Club! We develop the programs you want us to. Your ideas are always welcome.

• We put in a crazy number of hours in developing every single program. We are passionate about what we do. We truly care for these kids.

• We coach students to give them the confidence needed to learn a language and enjoy learning. We developed a number of Coaching sessions with various themes that are age appropriate to build confidence in them.

• Lots of people apply to become a Mentor at My French Club, but we just pick the very best!

• Time is precious; we don’t want to waste your time or add more on your child’s busy schedule. When you come to My French Club, it is to learn and reinforce your learning at school in an engaging way so you remember better and want to come back for more!

• I am a mother of two kids, 8 and 3. I pick and drop my kids to various programs in the city, constantly hoping that it is all worth it and that they are not wasting their time in the programs. With that in mind, I've designed the program to be of maximum benefit to the kids and the parents as well, so when they leave the class for that day, the kids have a smile on their faces, and the parents have a feeling of satisfaction.

50 ways to encourage your child in French

Try using these words to encourage your child in their studies or in improving their behavior. They will appreciate your efforts in trying to connect with them in a different language. It also shows that you value French at home and that you are recognizing his/her efforts. Good luck!

1. Magnifique! (Magnificent!)
2. Fantastique! (Fantastic!)
3. Formidable! (Tremendous!)
4. Superbe! (Superb!)
5. Bravo! (Bravo!)
6. Super! (Super!)
7. Sensass! (Sensational!)
8. Excellent(e)! (Excellent!)
9. Exceptionel(le)! (Exceptional!)
10. Tu as bien fait! (Well done!)
11. Parfait(e)! (Perfect!)
12. Merveilleux/ Merveilleuse! (Marvelous!)
13. Trés bien réussi! (Very successful!)
14. Bon travail! (Good job!)
15. Bonne idée! (Good idea!)
16. Bon/Bel essai! (Good try!)
17. Félicitations! (Congratulations!)
18. Tu as (absolument) raison! (You are (absolutely) right!)
19. C’est beaucoup mieux! (Much better!)
20. C’est beau, continue! (Continue, it’s beautiful!)
21. Beau progrés! (Great progress!)
22. Génial! (Great!)
23. Pas mal! (Not bad!)
24. Je suis fier de toi! (I am proud of you!)
25. Trés chouette! (Very nice!)
26. Continue comme ça! (Keep it up!)
27. Bon effort! (Good effort!)
28. Tu t’améliores! (You are improving!)
29. Allez top là! (High five!)
30. Quelle réussite! (What a success!)
31. C’est ce que tu as fait de mieux jusqu’à présent! (This is your best to date!)
32. Sympa! (Nice!)
33. Impressionant! (Impressive!)
34. Incroyable! (Incredible!)
35. C’est exact! (Exactly!)
36. Tu as compris! (You understand!)
37. Tu y es presque! (You’re almost there!)
38. Fabuleux! (Fabulous!)
39. Tu fais vraiment des progrés! (You’re really making progress!)
40. Tu es un ange! (You’re an angel!)
41. C’est ça! (That’s it!)
42. Tu fais vraiment de ton mieux! (You’re really doing your best!)
43. Tu réussis beaucoup mieux aujourd’hui! (You’re doing much better today!)
44. Bien pensé! (Well thought out!)
45. C’est mieux que jamais! (This is better than ever!)
46. À te regarder faire, cela semble facile! (To watch you makes it look so easy!)
47. C’est exactement comme cela qu’il faut faire (This is exactly how you do it!)
48. Tu y es presque! (Almost there!)
49. Hourra! (Hurray!)
50. Épatant! (Splendid!)