AIM Language Learning Inc. provides a selection of original audio recordings and plays specifically designed for beginning and intermediate French Second Language students. All materials are created by Matt and Wendy Maxwell, both of whom are highly qualified and experienced FSL educators.
Matt Maxwell | Wendy Maxwell | |
Our Philosophy We believe that to be effective, second language acquisition must take place in a context that is both meaningful and fun. There must also be plenty of opportunities for repetition of vocabulary and structures. Songs and plays provide the perfect vehicles for language learning because they are highly motivational and provide emotional "hooks" which greatly facilitate language acquisition. Matt is a former teacher who holds a Ph.D in education. As well as his own albums, one of which received a Juno nomination, he has recorded over 80 French songs for different publishing companies. He has toured throughout Canada and the United States, playing for close to a million children. His energetic music appeals to a wide range of ages, from six to fourteen. | Wendy is a French teacher who has written seven books of plays and two extensive teaching guides. She has given numerous workshops to teachers across Canada, showing them how to integrate drama and gestures in an effective FSL program. In 1999, she won the Prime Minister's Award for Teaching Excellence for her innovative teaching methodology. She wrote her Master's Thesis on the use of drama in the FSL classroom. | What People are Saying "Shut those French textbooks. Toss aside those vocabulary drills, and listen to Matt. Because learning French has never been so much fun."
Toronto Star "...the songs are thoughtful and the musicianship top-notch."
Canadian Parent "Through Matt's songs, the students realize that language learning can be an exciting and enjoyable experience."
Kathy Pugh
Saskatchewan Ministry of Education "Teachers and students love Matt's music and enjoy the carefully designed learning activities which accompany."
Judy Mas
French Coordinator
Greater Victoria School District "The easy and relevant lyrics and the upbeat music enjoyed by every student has added a much needed element to language learning."
Claude Dionne
Modern Languages Coordinator
Delta School District "Matt's contribution to second language teaching and learning in this province has been tremendous."
Louise Seward-Gagnon
Core French Program Consultant
Prince Edward Island | What People are Saying "I highly recommend Wendy's innovative approach to acquiring French as a second language."
Michl0065 Mazzarotto
Modern Languages Consultant
Nanaimo School District "Wendy's concepts of using gestures and drama to teach verbs and vocabulary are innovative and an approach that French teachers like myself have been waiting for...I'm very pleased and excited about Wendy's program because I know it works."
Michelle Hastie
French Teacher "I presented several verbs using the Gesture Approach. The students were very enthusiastic and I could see that they were becoming more confident and proficient in a very short time."
Pam Haynes
Core French Consultant
Maple Ridge School District "We strongly support and encourage the adoption of this approach by other language instructors. The use of gestures enables Mme. Maxwell to communicate with her students entirely in French and ensure that they understand."
Kathleen Keller-Hobson
Parent "It is because of Mrs. Maxwell's innovative teaching methods that my daughter is virtually bilingual today. With the creative use of plays and music, my daughter has learned idiomatic and conversational French."
Penny Park
Parent | |
