A1.1 – Unité 06 : Mon corps

French body vocabulary for children

After learning how to greet, talk about family, describe the house, school, and toys, children are ready to focus on their own body. This unit, centered on French body vocabulary for children, introduces words and expressions that kids use to talk about themselves: body parts, the face, movements, and even simple expressions like “I have…” or “It hurts.” By connecting language to the body, learners gain practical vocabulary that they can use immediately in everyday contexts. Parents looking for a structured and playful way for their children to learn French will appreciate this unit, which combines interactivity, cultural awareness, and clear progress.

What your child will learn in this unit

By the end of this unit, your child will be able to:

• Name basic body parts (head, hand, foot, leg, arm).
• Identify parts of the face (eyes, nose, mouth, ears).
• Say “I have…” (J’ai…) with simple words.
• Understand and say “It hurts” (J’ai mal à…).
• Recognize action verbs linked to the body (jump, dance, run).
• Count from 26 to 30.
• Respond to classroom games using body vocabulary.

These objectives expand the child’s communication abilities beyond descriptions of the environment into descriptions of themselves.

A playful and interactive approach

The lessons in this unit, each lasting around 30 minutes, are built around physical interaction. Children don’t just hear the words—they move, repeat, and act. This keeps attention high and creates a link between language and movement. Activities include:

• Games with the body: “Simon says” (Jacques a dit) to practice body vocabulary.
• Role-plays: Doctor and patient (“I have a headache”).
• Pronunciation practice: focusing on sounds like [ʃ] in chaud or [s] in sac.
• Action-based activities: instructions such as “Touch your nose”, “Jump three times”, or “Raise your hand.”
• Listening exercises: hearing short instructions and responding physically.

By combining listening, speaking, and movement, children learn more effectively and remember vocabulary longer.

Mid-unit and final progress checks

This unit includes two progress checks designed to measure learning without stress:

• Lesson 6: A short review of body vocabulary, action verbs, and numbers 26–30.
• Lesson 13: A final review with listening tasks, short role-plays, and simple sentences (≥50% pass mark).

These checkpoints help parents see exactly what their child can do, while children enjoy the interactive format.

Cultural connection

Learning body vocabulary in French is not only about language—it is also about cultural games and expressions. French children often play Jacques a dit (the French equivalent of “Simon says”), which is introduced here as a fun way to learn. Children also discover how French speakers commonly express pain with “J’ai mal à…” rather than using “My… hurts,” giving them insight into how languages differ in everyday life.

Benefits for your child

• Practical vocabulary: Words about the body are useful and directly connected to children’s lives.
• Interactive learning: Movement and games keep lessons lively and engaging.
• Confidence: Children can describe themselves and express when something hurts.
• Grammar in action: Using j’ai in simple sentences.
• Cultural awareness: Discovering a traditional French children’s game.

A foundation for continued learning

French body vocabulary for children creates a natural bridge to more advanced communication. By mastering vocabulary about their body, children are prepared to describe how they feel, participate in games, and interact in more personal ways. This unit also reinforces the use of verbs (avoir, action verbs) in real contexts, preparing learners for broader topics in future units such as food, animals, and clothing.

Parents can be reassured that their child is not simply memorizing words but truly integrating language into daily actions.

Conclusion

This unit on French body vocabulary for children provides a lively, interactive, and meaningful approach to learning. Children name body parts, act out movements, and even express feelings like “It hurts.” With playful reviews and cultural connections, they gain both language and confidence.

By the end of the unit, your child will be able to talk about their body in French, respond to simple instructions, and enjoy learning through movement. It’s a fun and practical step forward in their French journey.