What is in the news today? Click on the picture and listen to a one minute newsflash broadcasting from France. Do the exercises and check your understanding. Do you agree? Post your comment.
Click on the 'escargot' picture and play the true or False game. Are the 'Escargots' a delicacy in France? Yes or no. Write your answer in the comment box.
Shopping made easy n'est-ce pas? Do you like crepes but don't know how to ask for them. Click on the picture to practise the conversation. Bon appetit!
When paying make sure you have the right money! In France and Europe Euros are used to pay for items. Click here to find out whether you have the right money. Manger et boire pour se développer. Are all the children around the world getting enough food?
20th March is the day where the French speaking world celebrates 'La Francophonie'. Do you know where to find these countries on the map? Click on the image to see the map. What is the origin of the French language? To know more
Here is a West African story that will intrigue you. You will need to let us know all the cognates you heard in the film. There are 29 cognates and near cognates, can you identify them?
We will start with the topic of animals. Do you know the names of all the animals in the world in French?
Click here to find out what does Cecile, who lives in Haiti say about her animals.
Once you hear the story, try this online activity. You will need to match the sentences and the pictures in the right order. Are you ready? If unsure you can always listen to the story.
"Le galop Nantais" This is danced in the region of Nantes but this is not exclusively Breton dance. It is also called "Le manège". It is a mixture of polka and galop, danced in couples with the ballroom hold.
On y va! Watch and dance! Enjoy! I hope you are not too dizzy!
How do we name countries in French? Listen to the Lion King and make up a sentence. Will it be "en" or "à"? choose a country of your choice and write the answer in the comment box. You are allowed to choose more than one country. Can you locate them on the map? Click here and here
Mother is said in various ways around the world such as: France - Mere Germany - Mutter Hindi - Maji Urdu - Umee English - mummy, mum, mom, ma, mamma, mommy.
Some tribes like the Assam inAfrica, don't call themselves families. They call themselves "maharis", or "motherhoods." Chinese family names are often formed beginning with a sign that means "mother". It's a way of honoring their moms long past. The ancientGreekscelebrated Mother's Day in spring. They used to honor Rhea, "mother of the gods" with honey-cakes and fine drinks and flowers at dawn.The Greek word "meter" and the Sanskrit word "mantra" mean both mother and measurement. Japan's Imperial family trace their descent from Omikami Amaterasu, the Mother of the World.
Hinduwithout mscripture credits the Great Mother, Kali Ma, with the invention of writing through alphabets, pictographs and beautiful sacred images.Buddha honored mothers when he said, "As a mother, even at the risk of her own life, loves and protects her child."In India there is a ten-day festival known as Durga Puja which is held in early October. The festival honors Durga, the "Divine Mother". She is the most important of all Hindu goddesses.
Native American Indian women have long been honored with the name, "Life of the Nation" for their gift of motherhood to the tribes. Ancient Egyptians believed that "Bast" was the mother of all cats on Earth, and that cats were sacred animals. As Christianity spread throughout Europe the celebration changed to honor the "Mother Church"--the spiritual power that gave them life and protected them from harm. Over time the church festival blended with the Mothering Sunday celebration. People began honoring their mothers as well as the church. Children inFrancespend days drawing a card and practising a poem as a surprise for their mothers. This springtime Sunday is refered to as Fete des Meres, and it provides children and adults throughout France with the opportunity to make their mother the centre of attention, and give her gifts and treats.Mother's Day is celebrated on the last Sunday in May. It is treated more like a family birthday. Everyone in the family gathers for a special meal. This may be at home or in a restaurant. At the end of the meal the mother is presented with a cake. InSwedenMother's Day is on the last Sunday in May and is a family holiday. The Swedish Red Cross sells small plastic flowers on the days leading up to Mother's Day. The money raised from the sale of the flowers is used to help needy mothers and their children. In SpainMother's Day is celebrated on 8th December. It is closely linked to the church, especially to Mary, the mother of Jesus.Special cards are sent for Mother's Day and many of these are made by children. Shops sell chocolates, flowers and other Mother's Day presents, but many children make their own presents for their mothers. In Portugal Mother's Day is celebrated on 8th December too.
Burning Monsieur Carnaval for Mardi Gras in France
In France, Carnival is a big celebration held before the beginning of the Christian fasting season of Lent. French adults and kids who celebrate Carnival will dress up in costumes and have parties.At the end, they will burn an effigy of Monsieur Carnaval. While Monsieur Carnaval is burning, people dance in a circle around the fire singing (in French)... Adieu pauvre Carnaval. Tu t’en vas et moi je reste pour manger la soupe à l’ail.
Here’s an English translation Goodbye poor Carnaval. You are leaving, and me, I am staying to eat garlic soup.
The soup is made with garlic, a vegetable, since, once Carnival is over, it’s time for Lent. Traditionally during the fast, meat was not allowed to be eaten.