Aux Petits Soins admin

Just announced! Fall 2016 APS Schedule

Posted on September 10, 2016October 15, 2016 by Aux Petits Soins admin

Are you ready for class to start? I know I am. There will be new songs, new visuals and a new look to the classroom space. I hope you’re as excited as I am!

Fall 2016 Schedule

Day Trippers (0-6 mos.) —9 a.m. Saturday
Explorers I (6 mos.–2 yrs.) — 5:15 p.m. Tuesday, 10:30 a.m. Friday and 9:45 a.m. Saturday
Explorers II (2-4 yrs.) — 5:15 p.m. Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. Friday and 10:45 a.m. Saturday
Explorers III (4-6 yrs.) 9:30 a.m. Wednesday and 5:15 p.m. Friday
Travel Bugs II (6-9 yrs.) — 6:15 p.m. Wednesday
Travel Bugs III (9-12 yrs.) — 6:15 p.m. Friday

To France and back!

Posted on September 7, 2016June 12, 2017 by Aux Petits Soins admin

Last month, I took my Michigan family to France for two weeks to attend a wedding in my family. It was such a fulfilling trip, but it went by way too fast — of course, I always feel like that. But I came back with a lot of great ideas for Aux Petits Soins, as well as some new books, music and toys. (Some of the things I brought back will be for sale — ask me about them if you’re interested.)

It was an emotional experience being able to introduce my sons to the city I was born in. I know they won’t remember this trip, but being immersed in the French language for two straight weeks and watching their little eyes light up again and again seeing these historical cultural icons — the Eiffel Tower, the Paris Opera, Notre Dame, the Louvre — I know something much deeper than memory was sinking in. They were absorbing my culture.

It’s always so nourishing being able to spend that much time with my extended family. I don’t get to see them often enough, but what person living halfway around the world from her parents and sisters wouldn’t say that? Their unconditional love and support is the reason why I know I can live anywhere in the world.

And that’s my goal with Aux Petits Soins — to be able to give all the students “cultural passports” to another country where they’ll feel confident of their own success, knowing they have a strong support system back here in Lansing.

Guess what… it’s demo week!

Posted on June 16, 2016June 12, 2017 by Aux Petits Soins admin

Aux Petits Soins is a French language immersion program for children from birth up to age 12, taught by French native speakers. You can read our full story here.

We teach through the simplest method possible — by immersing the child in a completely French-speaking environment geared toward his/her age and ability. Building on the principles of Typical Physical Response (TPR) and Montessori methods, we’ve developed our own three-step method of foreign language education: Listen. Absorb. Speak. This method allows children to naturally soak up French at the same time they’re learning their own native language or languages.

Join us and discover our programs.

We have a great syllabus for each level. Of course, I’ll still rotate in things we learned in the past sessions to keep them fresh in everyone’s minds.

The Day Trippers will be learning new hand songs to sing during daily routines;
The Explorers will learn new vocabulary words about modes of transportation (including trains, boats and airplanes) and summer activities such as going to the beach, aquarium, farm, and zoo; and
The Travel Bugs will learn conversational vocabulary words pertaining to activities and hobbies from their everyday life.

Here is the schedule for the free demonstrations:

Tuesday, June 21

5 – 5:20 p.m. Day Trippers (from birth to 6 months)
5:30 – 6 p.m. Explorers I (age 6 – 24 months)

Wednesday, June 22

9:30 – 10 a.m. Explorers II (age 2 – 4)
10:15 – 10:45 a.m. Explorers III (age 4 – 6)
5 – 5:30 p.m. Explorers I (age 6 – 24 months) (only for APS students)
5:30 – 6 p.m. Travel Bugs II (age 6 – 9)

Thursday, June 23

5 – 5:30 p.m. Explorers II (age 2 – 4) (only for APS students)
5:45 – 6:15 p.m. Travel Bugs III (age 9 – 12)

Saturday, June 25

9 – 9:30 a.m. Day Trippers (from birth to 6 months)
9:30 – 10 a.m. Explorers I (age 6 – 24 months)
10:15 – 10:45 a.m. Explorers II (age 2 – 4) full
11 – 11:30 a.m. Explorers III (age 4 – 6)

All the demonstrations will be held at Aux Petits Soins, 1824 E. Mich. Ave., Suite F, Lansing. Space is limited so please register.

Please feel free to contact Gaëlle if you have any additional question.

Bonne fête du travail

Posted on May 1, 2016June 12, 2017 by Aux Petits Soins admin

May 1 is May Day, the French version of Labor Day. Besides having a day off from work, we also offer lilies of the valley — or muguets — to loved ones. The lily may be the symbol of springtime and of good luck, but try telling that to my garden — at this rate, my lilies won’t flower until the American Labor Day in September!

Aux Petits Soins “Gains” more exposure!

Posted on April 6, 2016June 12, 2017 by Aux Petits Soins admin

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege to be interviewed by Lansing Area Capital Gains about local foreign language immersion programs. The story, “Lansing’s children engaging and connecting with language immersion programs,” was published today. The story features some great photos of our students Levi and Joel interacting in class. Please check it out!

You can read more stories about Aux Petits Soins on our In the media page.

It’s demo week!

Posted on March 28, 2016June 12, 2017 by Aux Petits Soins admin

Here is the schedule of the FREE demonstrations, to be held at Aux Petits Soins, 1824 E. Michigan Ave., Suite F, Lansing:

Wednesday, March 30:

Day Trippers (age 0-6 mths) @ 4:30 p.m. Register here.
Explorers I and II (age 0-3 yrs) @ 5 p.m. Register here.
Explorers II and III (age 3-6 yrs) @5:45 p.m. Register here.

Saturday, April 2:

Day trippers (age 0-6 mths) @ 9 a..m. Register here.
Explorers I and II (age 0-3 yrs) @ 9:30 a.m. Register here.
Explorers II and III (age 3-6 yrs) @ 10:15 a.m. Register here.

If you intend to come, please register ASAP so I can plan accordingly. If these dates get filled, I will add more dates. Also, please share this information with anyone you think may be interested, or anyplace you know other parents use as a resource for finding activities for their children.

You can buy a punch card or 11-week spring session here.

An introduction to our new class, Day Trippers

Posted on March 25, 2016June 12, 2017 by Aux Petits Soins admin

I would like to introduce you to Day Trippers, a new 30-minute class inspired by my 5-week-old son, Léandre. It is designed for babies from birth to 6 months, and will give parents the opportunity to learn my favorite lullabies and other soothing songs. I think this new class will make a good baby shower idea for someone looking for a unique gift. You can come discover this program during one the FREE demonstrations:

Wednesday, March 30 @ 4:30 p.m. Register here.
Saturday, April 2 @ 9:00 a.m. Register here.

Demonstrations will be held at Aux Petits Soins.

I tentatively plan to have the Day Trippers classes on Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. and Saturday at 9 a.m. Based on demand, this schedule could change. If you would like to hear more about this program, please feel free to contact me at gaelle@apsfrenchclass.com or (517) 999-7277. If you would like to join the program, you can buy a 5 or 10 classes punch card here.