Teaching kids Mandarin? Forward thinking. Spanish is perfectly practical. But instruction in French is très chic.

Parents who want to go beyond basic language lessons to impart their enfants with an appreciation for French art and culture as well should consider afternoon classes at La Petite Ecole.

Courses include painting, sculpture, cooking, theater, and photography, all conducted en français, with an emphasis on the country’s traditions and techniques (souffle, anyone?).

Les classes are available for kids ages 30 months through 10 years and are taught by native speakers and visiting artists (the school’s founder, Virgil de Voldère, also owns an art gallery in Chelsea). For added authenticity, the program meets in a cozy uptown row house with decor that’s part French country cottage, part Parisian art studio.

Comment dit-on, “Sign us up”?

La Petite Ecole, 159 West 82nd Street, between Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues (646-504-9694 or lpeny.com). Fall session begins September 26.

WATCH
The Incredibles on Roosevelt Island
What: Pack your picnic blanket and settle in for the last of the free summer screenings.
Why: Nights full of homework and bedtime will be here soon enough.
When: Sat., 8 p.m. (Rain date, Sept. 11).
Where: Firefighter Field.

SQUIRM
Worms, Creepy Crawlies, and the Dirt on Dirt
What: Learn about the soil-loving invertebrates and what they add to the world around them at the free Wild Wednesday Creature Feature.
Why: She always wants to play with them on rainy days anyway.
When: Wed., 4-6 p.m.
Where: High Line, Chelsea Market Passage, W. 16th St., at Tenth Ave.

POSE
Cut Arts
What: Have your little beauty sit still (for just a few minutes) as third-generation artist Karl Johnson crafts a custom silhouette ($25).
Why: Your iPhone pics aren’t doing the trick.
When: Sept. 10, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Pink Olive, 167 Fifth Ave., b/t Lincoln & Berkeley Pls., Park Slope. Call 718-398-2016 for an appt.

Photo: Courtesy of La Petite Ecole