During my workshops, parents sometimes ask if I have a list of things they can do at home to help with their kids' education. They're enthusiastic (workshops tend to have that effect) and want start right away!

 If only it were that easy...

That is to say, sure I have lists, as do many people who work in the francophone education system. In fact, quite a few of mine were generated by parents themselves during my workshops. And their ideas are every bit as valid as those you'll find in any document, including ones that I've published.

But ideas are only as good as the actions they get translated into. If you really want to take part in your child's education, you need to make some decisions and then turn them into reality.

Here's a concrete example: you can create a FrancoZone in your home.

This is ideal for children growing up in households where French is spoken less often than another language. It's their special place where everything happens in French — where they can do homework or other activities such as printing, writing, reading, practising math, and so on. Everyone who enters the Zone can help by speaking as much French as possible.

How to create a FrancoZone

1. Space
Select a small space in your home that can be dedicated to your child's educational activities. A place without many distractions (like a TV) is best. Be sure to choose a spot that's handy for you, such as a corner close to the kitchen, because your child will need your help from time to time.

2. Surface
You'll have to get a working surface, such as a desk or a small table. It's easy to find something for under $25 on Kijiji, at garage sales, in the classified ads and elsewhere. You may be able to pick up a chair, too, or just take one from elsewhere in your home.

3. Tools
Outfit the Zone with tools such as a pencil, eraser, ruler, etc. Consider borrowing or buying a dictionary suited to your child's level, as well as any other reference material that may be fun and useful.

4. Decorations

Since your child is learning in French, why not decorate the FrancoZone with posters and other items with French-language themes? There's no need to buy much (or anything) since your little student will start bringing home lots of colourful material from Day 1 of preschool.

You could put up the francophone flag of your province or territory, or even the whole collection. How about printing some photos and putting them on the wall? Something like this strange little sign I came across in the south of France will make any FrancoZone more fun for everyone:

Is that all?

Nope, but it's a great start! You'll find more information in the new publication.

In the meantime, you can expand on this idea by creating virtual FrancoZones — that is, without the physical structure. For example, driving to and from preschool can become a time when you and your child listen only to French music. Voilà, you've created a mobile FrancoZone! Or certain TV time slots can be devoted to French programming. Or some family activities take place in French. There's no limit to the number and variety of FrancoZones you can create for your child.

Many years ago, a mixed francophone/non-francophone couple in Saskatchewan created a small FrancoZone for their two boys. The Zone gradually expanded to cover the entire house, and the parents consider it one of the key reasons their sons grew up to become perfectly bilingual adults.

If you've had similar experiences, feel free to share them here.