CHILDREN have been saying "bonjour" instead of "hello" and swapped toast for croissants as part of The European Day of Languages.

From this month all junior school children in this country are required to study a modern foreign language.

And to celebrate, pupils have been learning all about their continental neighbours.

At Colebrook Junior School in Coleview 200 pupils and their families sat down to an al-fresco (that's outdoors) continental breakfast.

"We were so lucky with the weather that we were able to have people sat outside on the patio, which really added to the theme," said the school's foreign language co-ordinator, Mary Swaffield.

"The children really enjoyed having their hot chocolate and croissants today, so much so that a lot of them have asked if we can do it every day."

But it wasn't all about filling up on tasty treats.

"After breakfast the children went off into their various classes to start a range of activities that we had planned," said Mrs Swaffield. "The children were asked to dress in red, white and blue so they could make a French flag and we also had role plays.

"The children have really loved getting stuck into the day, they've been really enthusiastic about learning another language, which is great to see."

She added: "I think it's important for them to learn a different language because it will stay with them."

At Oliver Tomkins Junior School in Toothill all the pupils were asked to dress up for the day.

"We had children wearing stunning outfits from a host of different countries," said headteacher Elizabeth Wood.

"In groups they have been learning how to say hello and goodbye in as many different languages as possible and we've also set them the challenge of counting up to 10 in French."

"I think it's a really positive thing for us to be teaching French to our children," added Mrs Wood.

"They have been picking it up very easily, as young children do and by the time they leave the school they should be able to hold a simple conversation, which will prepare them for secondary school."

At Drove Primary School, pupils there know more than most how important it is to learn another language - with 27 different languages spoken by the 380 pupils.

Year Three teacher Sheryl Henderson along with modern foreign language teachers from Churchfields School made puppets with pupils.

"It was great because once the children had the puppets they used them to speak to each other in French," she said.

"They had so much fun and learnt new words at the same time."