LEWISTON — The Franco-American Heritage Center will begin hosting Saturday morning “Fun in French” classes for children 4 to 10 years old beginning Jan. 12.

The course consists of six 90-minute sessions running from 10 to 11:30 a.m. over seven weeks. The last class will be held on Feb. 23, with no classes on the morning of Feb. 2. No prior language experience is necessary. A parent, grandparent or adult caregiver must accompany each child or pair of siblings.

The purpose of the course is not necessarily to make fluent French speakers out of children but rather to introduce them to their Franco heritage, to teach basic French expressions and pass on the traditions their Franco ancestors brought with them as they settled in the area. The course will be taught by Vanessa Herrmann, a native of Belgium who also lived for several years in Quebec.

The cost is $60 per child and $40 for each additional sibling and is due prior to the first class. The fee covers all six sessions.

“Efforts like these are why we exist,” said executive director Louis Morin. “The purpose of the events and concerts we host here at the Franco Center is to raise money in order to conduct classes like this, both here at the center and in local schools.”

Registration deadline is Friday, Dec. 21. With space limited to just 15 students, along with the adult accompanying each child, there will be a maximum of 30 people in the classes, which will be held at the Franco Center, 46 Cedar St. A minimum of eight students is required for the Franco Center to hold the classes, with refunds granted if that minimum threshold is not met.

Registration forms can be downloaded from the “Education and Heritage” section of Franco Center website at www.francocenter.org. Registration can also be handled over the phone by calling the Franco Center at 783-1585, or in person during regular business hours.