Caleb Learns To Speak French

Summertime was coming to a close. Caleb and his family finished the planning of their end of summer vacation. Everyone agreed on spending five whole days in a small French town in northeastern Canada. It was a wonderful idea to learn to speak a new language. After all Caleb was entering grade three.

He had met a couple of girls during one of vacations who were his age and could speak French very well. The sound of their words as they spoke was like music to his ears.

Caleb wondered if he could speak and sound just like them. He would soon find out because he was returning to school in September. During the end of summer vacation his dad had suggested visiting the local library.

While they were there an advertisement on the bulletin board offered a two day program for English/French speaking people who desired the chance to learn to speak some of the French language. Caleb did want to learn to speak some French words so he could share what he had learned with his friends back at his school.

There was one for sure and that was Caleb was definitely going to learn to speak at least two words before he returned home. He really wanted to learn to say 'Hello' and 'Goodbye' in French. He was eager to impress his new French teacher when he entered Grade three.

Since the program was starting in two days Caleb and his family decided to tour around the interesting little town. During the tour he listened closely to how all the people spoke. When no one was listening Caleb would try to speak French secretively to himself.

Caleb would curl his tongue trying to say the words properly. Sometimes he would be so amazed when some of his words sounded almost perfect. The entire tour was interesting and fun. Caleb and his family had an opportunity to cross a bridge that would enter into a huge castle where soldiers stood tall and carried a big sword.

Before anyone was able to cross it was necessary to speak one or more French words. Caleb had heard many French words spoken as others crossed so he was ready to speak one or two words when he approached the gate.

It was time for Caleb's family to cross the bridge. Caleb was extremely excited to cross. He chose the perfect French word to the guards.

'Bonjour!' Caleb spoke in a very clear voice. He felt so proud of himself. So the guard replied:

'You may cross the bridge now young man. Proceed'

They all finished their tour and headed back to their hotel. It was getting late and they needed to eat supper and get lots of needed rest. The next two days were going to be filled with excitement and new adventures.

Caleb got up early the next morning. He was way too excited to sleep. He had a great breakfast and waited patiently to be driven to his French program at the library. He was greeted at the entrance by a pretty lady.

'Bonjour Caleb' she spoke in a pretty voice.

Caleb loved the sound of the first French word he had learned to say and now the teacher had spoken the very same word. The rest of the day would be the best day of his whole life.

'Hello class. I would like to start our program by learning the numbers in French' the teacher said with a beautiful smile on her face.

'Let us begin with the numbers 1 - 10. The class spoke loud and clear repeating after the teacher.

'Now class let us repeat the numbers 1 - 10 but now in French. It is okay if the words are not quite right. We want learning to speak French lots of fun' spoke the teacher in a proud voice.

'Now let us speak slowly and clearly'

1-une 6-six

2-deux 7-sept

3-trois 8-huit

4-quatre 9-neuf

5-cinq 10-dix

Everyone was quite successful in repeating the numbers in French. The teacher was really amazed. After a few times repeating the numbers the class sounded so perfect. The teacher was smiling with satisfaction. She was very proud of her class.

Caleb smiled from ear to ear. He was so happy to learn so many new French words. The teacher asked the class if they wanted to learn a few special words that were bigger but quite easy to say in French. Everyone raised their hands. Caleb was so excited. He had raised his two hands and clapped excitedly. The teacher chuckled.

She was happy to see all the enthusiasm.

'Okay. Let's start with the first word 'Hello'. Hello - Bonjour. Repeat after me class' the teacher requested.

'Bonjour' repeated the class.

'That was excellent. I think we are ready for another word 'Goodbye' said the teacher sensing that her class was learning to speak French quite quickly.

'Au revoir' now repeat after me.

'Au revoir' the class called out.

Everyone seemed to be so happy to learn. It was really great to speak another language.

Caleb wanted to learn more and more. He could never get bored learning new French words.

We will learn one more thing tomorrow. We will learn the alphabet. If you learn the alphabet in one day I will teach you to speak a short conversation that will impress your family and friends. I am pretty confident that you will be quite successful.

'Our final word of the day is very important 'How are you?' said the teacher.

'Comme ca va?' please repeat after me asked the teacher.

The class spoke with such perfection. Everyone learned the new words quite fast. The teacher was truly impressed.

'Okay class what do we say when we leave for the day?'

The teacher waited for the reply. Everyone spoke the words together and with no difficulty. 'Au revoir'

Everyone looked so proud of what they had learned.

'We will meet here tomorrow class. Remember your new words. A surprise awaits you all if you complete what we will learn tomorrow' spoke the teacher as everyone exited.