AIM Teacher & Parent Testimonials

Within two short years, my son can speak, write and understand French. He has even composed short plays in French! In fact, he had recently visited Montreal for a school hockey tournament and billeted for three days with a family there. He was able to speak to the family and others in French. This program is truly incredible. Looking back at my experience in French, I can say that it took me much longer to get to where he is now. I see now that learning French does not have to be such a struggle. It can actually be enjoyable—as I am witnessing every day with my son."
- Angie Ng, Parent, Toronto, ON

I am more than pleased and most surprised at the success and rapid learning that this program has provided to Robert's grasp of French."
- Sharon Fielding, Parent, Toronto, ON

To my utter amazement, my son is flourishing in French in Ms. Duckworth's class where Wendy Maxwell's programme is taught. He loves French class and comes home talking to me in French. We are so pleased with his progress."
- Darla A. Wilson, Parent, Toronto, ON

I am so excited about AIM. I know that I enjoy teaching more now than ever before. You have helped me to reinvent myself as a teacher. It is an absolutely amazing approach to teaching French. Thank you so much!"
- Darlene Bond, Core French Teacher, Gosford Park P.S., Toronto, ON

I have been most excited by the way in which they write the creative stories after working on a play. The quality is very high. The students' knowledge, comfort and comprehension with the language they are using surpassed all my expectations. They are proud of themselves too!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
- Jennifer de Boer, Core French teacher, Saanichton, BC

I can't thank you enough for this wonderful new approach to French instruction. I honestly can't believe the improvement in my class in such a short time. I've been using les questions totales, but the kids told me that they are too easy. I am now asking much more advanced questions like qui, où, qu'est-ce que, etc. They amaze me with their understanding and with their ability to formulate answers. This is not the same class that I had before."
- Dianne Dachyshyn, Core French teacher, Grades 8/9, Edmonton, AB

Parents were telling me that their children are practising the gestures at the dinner table, in the bathtub, in the car on the way home!!!! The parents are amazed at how "into it" the kids
are. I'm especially pleased with my Special Ed classes. They're working at the same level as all the others!!! I'm a happy, happy teacher!"
- Emma Tilbury, Crestwood School, Toronto, ON

From an administrator's standpoint, I embrace the AIM program. Research tells us that students need to be actively involved in engaging material in order to make sense of and retain new material and AIM does just that!"
- Linden Gray, Principal

This exciting program, with its extensive and creative use of story and drama, provides second language teachers with opportunities to both motivate and engage students. It offers educators authentic means for not only developing the fluency levels of their students beyond what has been usually experienced in core French, but also ensures that students respond personally and creatively. Many of the language and literacy skills that students acquire in this program may transfer to other areas of the curriculum, thus making this program not only beneficial for the acceleration of their second language skills, but significant for their leaning in general."
- David Booth, Professor

I have taught languages for years but no method I have ever used can compare with the AIM! The ingenious use of hand gestures for every word and the careful choice of high-frequency words embedded in the context of stories transfers spontaneously into everyday use. The language becomes part of the children. They are speaking with proper syntax and grammar without any effort."
- Maryse West, Teacher

I am so thankful to have found such an effective method and would never teach any other way!"
- Maryse West, Teacher

I am so excited about AIM. I know that I enjoy teaching more now than ever before. You have helped me to reinvent myself as a teacher. It is an absolutely amazing approach to teaching French. Thank you so much!"
Darlene Bond, Core French Teacher, Gosford Park P.S., Toronto

I attended your workshop in Victoria in August. I purchased Histoires en Action 1 and in September I began using it with students from grades 1 to 6. The results have been amazing. We have been doing AIM for just three months now and I have heard so much wonderful feedback from the parents! Siblings in different grades are speaking French to each other at the dinner table. Children spontaneously greet me on the playground in French. Two of my grade three students got together for a play date the other day. Their moms tell me that they played Barbies, and for the whole time, their Barbies spoke French. Bravo Wendy for your fabulous program!"
- Roberta MacDonald

My daughter is in grade 3. Her French teacher is Madame Jill White. This year, Mme. White introduced the AIM program to the grade 3 and grade 6 classes. I had the privilege of volunteering in this class last week. I was amazed how the Victoria's class was able to sign and say so many words and phrases! She has been practising them at home but when you have 24 students all signing and saying the words together, it was amazing."

They are now practising "Les Trois Petits Cochons" and we bought the DVD. Victoria practises it two or three times a night. She does the play and the song. What is really amazing is that her six year old brother (who's in grade one at the same school but his teacher does not teach this program!), has been doing the play and the dancing and singing along with her! He even sings the song in the car and does all the gestures!"

You have created such a magnificent program, Ms. Maxwell. I can't thank you enough for giving my daughter back the joy to learn French. I am fluently bilingual and was part of the "New Immersion" program that was offered in the early 70's in Ontario. I wish that we had had a program like the one you developed! Victoria is so excited about French now and doesn't want to miss a class! Her enthusiasm is wonderful."  - Estelle Beer, Parent

The gesture method is so effective, it's almost unbelievable. I used to stagger in with a big bin of props after hours of prep, and stand on my head trying to keep the kids focused. This is quick and easy, and I'm very happy with the results thus far." - Debbie Soroczan, Ottawa

I was almost moved to tears (of joy!) when I watched the demonstration class! The students were focused, interested and were participating actively in the lesson - I heard no English! It was encouraging and energizing to see this in core French. The workshop was a thoroughly positive experience."
- Laura Little, The Country Day School

I am very impressed by Wendy Maxwell and her AIM method as well as with Sylvia Duckworth and her students. This is probably the best program I have ever known to create fluent speakers of French, which has been the goal ever since FSL was introduced in schools. I am extremely excited about continuing the program, having piloted it last year. Thank you for a wonderful and very useful workshop."
- Nathalie Therrien, The Sterling Hall School

Thank you for a very informative day!! The AIM approach seems fun and effective. Wendy demonstrated a strong understanding of "Why" her students have adapted well from her program. She has done a lot of research which makes her approach credible. It's motivating to see how teachers long in the profession still have a desire and motivation to help kids learn. Well done. Congratulations!!'
- Sabrina D'Angelo, St. Andrew’s College

J’ai un grand enthousiasme pour ce projet, cette année. Ça me semble être un programme effectif et j’ai hâte de voir les résultats. Merci beaucoup!"
- Louise Cholette-Rees, Havergal College

I am very much looking forward to integrating the gesture approach in September. For many years now, I have incorporated your plays, which have been "un grand succ's." 
- Cathy Brodie, St. Clement’s Catholic School

Wendy, this is a really wonderful program! I have a feeling that really big things could be happening as appears to be the case in Alberta - this is a truly helpful program." 
 - Ian Hawkins, The Mabin School

Bravo! I can't wait to learn and teach this method. Thank you! Mille mercis!"
- Kendal Young, St. Clement’s School

This is an encouraging and exciting program. I wish I had known about this earlier in my career. I would love for my teachers to attend a summer workshop. I know my administration would be supportive. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us."
 - Lori Pella, The Country Day School

The workshop was good in helping me figure out how to improve now that I've done AIM for one year. This programme is absolutely revolutionary (you made me a "born again" French teacher, Wendy!). Thank you for another inspirational workshop!"  
- Shelley Zorzit, Claude Watson School for the Arts

This is absolutely the most miraculous and breathtaking pedagogical method I have ever seen. What genius and organization and motivation to make this program. Thanks!" 
- Heidy Peragine, Hillfield-Strathallan College

I am very excited to implement this programme. Great for students as well as being teacher-friendly."  
- Kelly Hurlburt, Fieldstone Day School

This is an innovative and exciting approach to teaching French. I hope my principal who is really "traditional" (about noise level) will be able to understand this and fully support me! Great job!" 
- Mary Kennedy, Balmy Beach Public School

I am looking forward to implementing the Gesture Approach in my classes! I think it will lead to more enthusiasm for the children in learning French! I am sure that the parents will be very impressed with the progress their children will show in their first year of French! This was an incredible workshop! Thank you so much!"
- Carolyn Pigott, Lorne Park P.S.

I learned so much today. I think this approach is very practical and completely flexible to be used in conjunction with other programs for older grades. The results that I'm seeing at school where this program is being fully incorporated are INCREDIBLE! Thank you for all of your efforts."
- Negin Sabbaghian, Fieldstone Day School

Thank you for a most informative and pertinent workshop. I am impressed with your enthusiasm, knowledge and team spirit. You have provided a superb "point du depart" for a new teaching year. F'licitations! I look forward to trying your ideas and style and hope to be kept apprised of future workshops and material. Sensass! ' la prochaine!" 
- Amanda Frohman, Branksome Hall School

I really enjoyed the AIM workshop today. It has reinforced my belief in the approach and how successful it is. Thank you for your hard work and commitment to this great approach!"  - Sue-Ann Moher, Havergal College

I am thrilled with the success of this approach! I am using and will continue to use this approach and am grateful that someone like Wendy Maxwell has come along to change the future of French as a Second Language."  
- Ruta Nausedas, Havergal College