Why Learn a Second Language Before Age 6?

A story of motherhood and early childhood education

To be honest, if I hadn’t become a French mum living in the UK, I might never have thought so deeply about multilingualism before my daughter started school.

But becoming a parent in a country where the main language is different from mine made me ask some big questions, early on.

As an adult with DYS learning differences, and after 5 years in England, I still sometimes struggle to express myself fluently in English. So I thought: my daughter won’t have the same difficulties.

At the same time, I wanted her to be able to speak and understand French — our native language — to connect with our roots, our stories, our family.Does that sound familiar to you, too?

The shift: watching my daughter grow up bilingual

Then something magical happened.I watched my daughter develop her listening skills, her understanding, and her ability to speak two different languages, with ease, joy, and no confusion.

That’s when the idea of Petite Pousse was born.

With my 10 years of experience in nurseries, and a strong passion for child-led approaches like Montessori and Reggio Emilia, I knew I wanted to create something playful and nurturing.A place where children could discover a new language naturally, gently, and at their own rhythm.

But isn’t school enough?

We often think, “No rush — school will take care of it.” But in reality…

Primary schools, both in the UK and in France, often don’t have enough time or resources to teach a second language in a meaningful, engaging way.

It’s mostly too academic: vocabulary lists, writing exercises, repetitive drills…But children’s brains simply don’t learn this way. They need movement, fun, interaction, and real-life experiences.

The result? Many children "learn" a language for years… but never actually use it or feel confident speaking.

Why before age 6?

That’s why we need to start earlier, differently, and with joy.

Before the age of 6, a child’s brain is like a sponge. They don’t analyse — they absorb. They don’t translate — they understand directly.

Maria Montessori called this a “sensitive period for language” — a magical window when children are drawn to sounds, words, and rhythm in an intuitive way.

They don’t even realise they’re learning. It’s natural, playful, and effortless.

That’s why this age is ideal for learning not just one, but two or more languages, through games, songs, and meaningful interaction.

Children under 6 don’t learn through memorisation or grammar rules — they learn by watching, playing, doing, and being with others.

At Petite Pousse, we follow this natural approach:

🎵 French songs and rhymes

🎨 Sensory and creative play

📖 Interactive stories

🤝 Real-life immersion through play

So no — it’s not too early. In fact, it’s the perfect time.After 6, it’s still possible of course — but it becomes more structured, more school-like, and often less intuitive.

🎁 For your child, it’s play. For you, it’s a gift that lasts a lifetime.

It’s for everyone — not just bilingual families

This kind of learning isn’t just for bilingual households or language experts.

With a little guidance, the right environment, and a gentle rhythm, every parent can give their child the gift of a second language.

That’s exactly what I offer through Petite Pousse:

✅ Simple, joyful activities

✅ Designed for all levels

✅ Open to all families, even if you speak very little French

Playgroups & Private Tutoring in Bath & Bristol

French Playgroups

We meet as families, share a warm moment together, and let the children explore the French language in a relaxed, social setting. It’s also a lovely space for parents to connect and feel supported.

Private Tutoring (1:1 or siblings)

I work closely with you, the parent, to understand your child and create personalised activities adapted to their age, needs, and interests.We move at their own rhythm, with no pressure — and if they’re curious, we can even begin early reading around 2.5 years old! Always with care, creativity, and a playful approach. ✨

Petite Pousse, a community project from the heart

I created this space to support and connect with French families but also to help English-speaking parents discover the beauty and benefits of raising multilingual children from a young age.

Yes, English is a global language. But learning more than one language brings so much more than just academic success:

🌍 Cultural richness

🧠 Cognitive advantages

💬 Social and emotional skills

💞 And above all, the power to connect with others

🎯 Want to join a playgroup or book a private session?

📍 Based in Bath & Bristol

Book your spot here