Greek lessons for toddlers in London do not have to look like school. For many Greek families in the capital, the best way to keep the language alive at home is through songs, rhymes, movement and stories, and that is exactly how Asterakia teaches. This is a Greek List member run by Eleni, and it is worth knowing about if you have a baby or a young child and want Greek to be part of their everyday life.
Anyone raising bilingual children knows the challenge. English dominates nursery, the playground and the television, while Greek often depends on a few hours at home. For the youngest children, a formal lesson with a worksheet is not a natural fit. Songs, repeated rhymes and playing together are.
Asterakia describes itself as an award winning music, movement and drama class that helps each child learn the Greek language and experience their Greek heritage. According to the Greek List listing, it is a programme designed specially for bilingual children, with Greek learned through music, movement and story time.
There is also a sensible reason to start early and keep it playful. UK nurseries and reception classes follow the early years foundation stage framework, which treats communication and language as a core part of young children’s learning. Classes built around singing and talking fit naturally alongside that.
Asterakia was created by Eleni, a mother of two bilingual girls. She studied music in France, then came to London and completed a master’s degree in classical singing and acting. She worked in English schools as a music coordinator for 12 years while singing professionally.
After her daughters were born she wanted a way for them to learn Greek and love Greek culture. In December 2015, as part of a New Year’s resolution, she put everything on paper and created the structure and the first unit of Asterakia. During the pandemic she also started a YouTube channel, Asterakia with Eleni, with bilingual videos so that children could keep enjoying the Asterakia world at home.
According to the listing, children can join from 2 months up to 5 years old. At the time of writing, classes are held in Southgate and Goffs Oak. Check the Asterakia website for current days and times, because these can change.
Beyond the weekly classes, Eleni organises three big events every year. The listing mentions the Carnival, a Children’s Christmas concert with musical instruments, and an Easter workshop. With Christmas approaching, the concert is a lovely reason to get in touch and ask about the next date.
Asterakia also offers bespoke birthday party entertainment, with songs, games, arts and crafts and face painting. If you are planning a party for a little one, it is a Greek flavoured alternative to the usual entertainer.
Greek stop nearby: Asterakia in Southgate and Goffs Oak. Music, movement and story time in Greek for bilingual children aged 2 months to 5 years. See the full listing, photos and contact options on Greek List.
Good to know: Class locations, days and prices are set by Asterakia, so always confirm directly before you book.
Classes work best when the language continues at home. Play the songs in the car, repeat the rhymes at bath time, and read the same short Greek story many times. Young children love repetition, and it is repetition that builds vocabulary.
It also helps to meet other Greek speaking families. A weekly class gives your child friends who share the same language and traditions, and it gives you a community of parents facing the same questions.
Looking for more to do with the family? Browse the most complete list of Greek events in the UK, and add your own event for free.
The businesses featured on Greek List are members. More than 100,000 Greeks and Cypriots in the UK read us every month through the website, the newsletter and the Ellines sto Londino group, and member listings rank first on Google for Greek services.
Have you tried a Greek class for your little one? Share your tips with other parents in the Facebook group Ellines sto Londino.
