La Semaine du Français, or National French Week, takes place this year from November 6 to 12, and is an appreciation and celebration of all things French! Read on for ideas about how to celebrate National French Week in your home, school, and community.
- Celebrate with French Cuisine
Host a French Food Day in the classroom or cafeteria where participants can get a taste of this world-famous cuisine by trying quiches, croissants, crêpes, cheeses, and other delicious dishes. Incorporate French vocabulary by teaching basic phrases, such as, “s’il vous plaît,” and “C’est délicieux.” Additionally, you can reach out to French restaurants or bakeries in the community to see if they are hosting any events or invite them to take part in yours!
- Learn About French Culture
Every day during National French Week, learn a new fact about France, its history, or famous French figures. Create a bulletin board or display with this information to educate others in school. If possible, extend an invitation to French-speaking community members to visit the classroom and ask them to share their knowledge and experiences with French culture.
- Listen to French Music
Create a French café vibe by playing French jazz and romantic accordion musettes while students are doing classwork. This relaxing, uplifting music will put anyone in a good mood and inspire them to learn more about Parisian café culture and the joy of watching the world bustle around them.
- Enjoy a Virtual Field Trip to France
If you’ve never been to France and can’t hop on a plane for a quick trip, you can still experience some of the famous sights and attractions by taking a virtual field trip. The legendary Louvre museum has online tours available through their website, and the you can visit the iconic Eiffel Tour with a 360° virtual reality tour. Other sites to check out are: Château de Versailles, Montmartre, Mont Blanc, or the lavender fields of Provence.
- Get Creative with French Art
You and your students will want to create your own pièce de resistance after getting inspired by appreciating the work of famous French artists like Degas, Monet, Matisse, and Renoir. Set up a gallery where student artwork can be displayed and enjoyed along with an image of the piece that provided the inspiration.
- Play a French-Themed Scavenger Hunt
French culture, language, and art is all around us! Take advantage of National French Week to encourage curiosity and exploration through a scavenger hunt focusing on objects that show French influence. For example, find something with the ubiquitous fluer-de-lis design, an image of the Statue of Liberty, or an ad for scrumptious macarons.
By Kelli Drummer-Avendano
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