Kindergarten in France (for Ukrainian children) 👱‍♀

Hello to all mums and dads!

I want to share my impressions of kindergarten in France.

I have been in France with my children for more than two months. My children went to school here, college and the youngest - to kindergarten.

I want to tell you about the kindergarten. My daughter is now 5 years old 👱‍♀. I enrolled her in a kindergarten in France a week and a half after we arrived here.

Kindergartens in France are called schools (École maternelle) and it is compulsory for children from 3 years.

Before going to kindergarten, we have already made all the necessary documents (waiting only for health insurance). We made an appointment with the director of the kindergarten. I was accompanied by a Frenchwoman who gave us accommodation here to communicate in French with the director.

At the meeting we were immediately shown the premises of the kindergarten, the group, the dining room. My daughter went with us, so she also looked around. The school principal allowed me to be with the child on the first day before lunch, which I did when we first came to kindergarten.

My daughter was very ashamed, she did not move away from me. Besides, neither she nor I understood a word of French. I was afraid it would be very difficult.

The first time I had to leave my daughter alone in kindergarten until noon, she cried a lot in the morning. It was very difficult for me because I could not help her.

But every day when I came to pick up my daughter, the teacher told me that everything was fine. It was very encouraging and instilled the belief that my daughter would get used to kindergarten, and I did not give up.

After some time, I was allowed to go with the child with the kindergarten for a whole day to the creative center and a picnic. I was surprised that there are such trips here, and of course I agreed.

In kindergarten they often go and go somewhere, my daughter also went to the cinema.

When we took the bus to the creative center, the children there did a lot of creativity: they made various products, painted, and during the break we walked on the street and had a picnic.

In the creative center

Two weeks after the first trip with the kindergarten, I was invited to go to this creative center again. I agreed again and kindergarten and I visited this center for the second time.

In the creative center

There are a lot of educational toys in the kindergarten in France, in the group where my daughter studies. They also spend time in the gym.

At the end of each week, the child's "diary" is pasted with the child's work, as well as photos of what the children did this week are printed. It's interesting to look at, because then I see how much my child has done this week.

Daughter's diary

In the creative center

I want to tell you about my attitude as a mother who does not know the language and who is new in these circumstances. The educators treat me and my daughters very well. When we went to the creative center, they offered me coffee and invited me to eat a cake with them. Of course, I can't talk to them in French, but as I've noticed, educators and teachers here can speak English, and I can speak English with them. Of course, this is not very convenient, but in such circumstances I think it's better than not understanding people at all.

In the kindergarten, bus, the creative center

It's been about two months since my daughter went to kindergarten (excluding 2 weeks of vacation), and now she feels better there. She plays with children, does all the things they do in kindergarten, and enjoys going to lunch. The daughter does not yet understand French, but can already say "Bonjour, merci beaucoup, voilà, au revoir..."

My daughter still does not like to talk about kindergarten, but she is already talking about it more, you can hear from her what they did and what they ate for lunch.

I don't know how to learn French with a child, she still couldn't read Ukrainian. It's a little difficult to imagine this process. Maybe you can suggest something to learn the language for children 5 years old? I think that standard lessons will not be suitable for schoolchildren ... We are learning primitive words little by little, but this is not enough. Apparently, it takes a long time to study.

We really like the kindergarten in France, especially for their various activities. Kindergartens and schools are open until early July. Then everyone goes on summer vacation.

That's how briefly I told about our kindergarten in France. Maybe someone wants to ask something - I invite you to comment.

Thank you for reading. I wish all parents and children health and joy. 💗