About once a week we gather with two other families for an informal French cooperative. I am francophone and so is my husband, our children know a little French. During our meetups I read French books and sing French songs with the children. We make crafts, eat food and try to incorporate French in whatever we are doing. Our group is low key but the children are learning and it’s always exciting to see when they start to feel more comfortable with certain words or expressions.

Today we gathered to celebrate Valentine’s day (Saint Valentin in French). The children painted salt dough heart ornaments and played with (some ate) play dough. We enjoyed delicious homemade pavlovas covered in whipped cream and fruit salad and ate homemade truffles. It’s fun to celebrate with others. Earlier this week I also made a couple Valentine crafts with my children, some felted hearts and Valentine fairies. The fairies are from Forest Fairy Crafts. They are a little finicky to put together, a craft that’s better suited for older children, but my children love playing with them and I enjoyed making them.