French Classes for Minimes (Grades 2–5)

Location: In Person at FIAF Manhattan
Level: French as a Second Language, French for Native Speakers
Winter Jan 8–Mar 18 • Spring Apr 1–Jun 10

Grades 2–5 / Ages 7–10
10 weeks, once per week, 90 mins, $449

FIAF’s Minimes program sends your child on a journey in French with Felix, Lila and their friends from Zig Zag, méthode de français.

Small classes with strict safety guidelines are offered in person at FIAF to meet the needs of parents and children.

Our dynamic approach promotes attention and reflection among young students through group and individual activities. Children sing songs, participate in educational games and interact in French from day one. Music, photos and fun readings help children reinforce vocabulary and language structures previously studied.

Our curriculum consists of twelve consecutive tiers from Beginner to Intermediate level: 101, 102, 103, 201, 202, 203, 204, 301, 302, 303, 304. Each level can be covered over one 11-week or 10-week class.

  • Complete beginner in French ? Start with Minimes 101!
  • Already a Native French Speaker but new to FIAF ? Try Minimes Native Speakers Level 1 level!
  • If you are not a beginner but you are new to FIAF, please submit a placement test to know which level to enroll in : fiaf.org/frenchclasses/placementtest

  • Minimes Beginner: 101–103

    Upon completion of levels 101 to 103, children will be able to introduce and talk about themselves and their families, express their likes and dislikes as well as emotions. They will understand and use common classroom instructions. Children will study vocabulary related to food, sports, school’s supplies and subjects, and body parts.

  • Minimes Advanced Beginner: 201–204

    Upon completion of levels 201 to 204, students will be capable of expressing feelings and wishes and describing their daily activities. They will know how to describe someone physically in detail, as well as ask and give directions and addresses. Children will acquire the vocabulary and expressions relating to their house and meals.

  • Minimes Intermediate: 301–304

    Upon completion of levels 301 to 304, children will easily understand instructions and will know how to describe the personality traits of another person. Students will understand and give information about countries, order in a restaurant, and describe past events. At the end of this level, children will also understand information from an audio guide, a radio interview, and small written documentaries.

  • Minimes Native French Speakers Level 1

    For Native French Speakers Level 1, the curriculum follows the main goals of the French first elementary class level (CE1). Kids will enrich their vocabulary and grammar skills, including conjugating basic verbs and understanding the different tenses. They will improve their speaking and writing skills by working on a short project and reading short French books.

  • Minimes Native French Speakers Level 2

    For Native French Speakers Level 2, the teacher will follow the French second elementary class (CE2) objectives and spend more time dedicated to studying French literature. Kids will improve their ability to express themselves fluently while working on a longer project to improve both spoken and written French. Conjugation and usage of basic and irregular verbs in the present tense and some in the past tense will be covered.

Note About Class Formats: à petits pas Toddler classes and French for Benjamins classes are held entirely in person at FIAF or entirely online on Zoom. Classes for children ages 7 and older are HyFlex with online and in-person students attending the same class via 360° cameras in the classroom.