The Planning Department has granted a Pembroke couple permission to teach French and Spanish immersion classes in their home.

Mrs. Riquette Bonne-Smith yesterday told The Royal Gazette she and her husband, lawyer Orlando Smith, decided their Pitt's Bay Road school could fill a need.

She noted that while many on the Island took foreign language courses at school, they had difficulties in speaking them. And therefore encountered communication problems when travelling.

"We will begin teaching those from four years old, with the hope that when the kids grow up and go to school, they will be able to speak French fluently,'' Mrs. Bonne-Smith.

"Researchers tell us that early introduction to foreign languages provides many benefits,'' the French national who has taught the language for 17 years added.

"It is said that children who have studied a foreign language develop a sense of cultural pluralism (openness to and appreciation of other cultures). They also have an improved self-concept and a sense of achievement in school.

"Also, children acquire languages much quicker than adults. Hence, the earlier they begin, the easier for them.

"A child who has been introduced to a language in elementary school, will, by the time he or she gets to high school regard the language as a friend rather than an enemy.'' While lessons will be offered at La Maison Francaise des Bermudes for youngsters from four to 16 years old, adults will also be able to take classes.

Mrs. Bonne-Smith also pointed out the classes will be smaller than the usual language classes in school, and therefore students will be able to get personalised attention.

"As an educator with 17 years of teaching at all levels, abroad and locally, I have seen the difficulties involved in teaching languages to classes of 25 or more students,'' she said. "La Maison Francaise des Bermudes provides a setting for six to eight students in a group.'' Children will be grouped according to age; four to five years, six to eight, nine to 12, and 13 to 16.

Adults will be grouped according to proficiency level. There will be three levels for beginners, intermediates and those at the advanced level.

The French classes are scheduled to begin next week, with Spanish courses slated to start in January, next year.

The hourly lessons will be held from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, except on public holidays.

The Planning Department pointed out that permission was only granted until October 9, 1997.

By then, Mrs. Bonne-Smith said, she planned to move the school to another facility.

For further information call 295-4182 or 292-3124.