Vive la France!

France and the U.S. have always had a special relationship – and it’s not just the food or the same colors on the flags. Find out more about the delights of France; you may even become a Francophile.

CONNECT:

• Want to know about all things France? Start with the kids’ encyclopedia: http://academickids.com/encyclopedia/index.php/France
• France celebrates its own kind of Independence Day 10 days after the U.S.’s day: on July 14. It’s called Bastille Day in English, but it’s really the “Fete Nationale.” And it’s not really about the storming of the Bastille. Get the real facts at http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/french-revolutionaries-storm-bastille
• The U.S. Independence owes a great deal of gratitude to France; read the stories at http://classroom.synonym.com/did-france-aid-american-colonies-6250.html
• Dig up the history of Paris at http://www.paris.culture.fr/en/
• Did you know that a Frenchman created the Statue of Library – but not for the US? Find out 10 amazing facts at http://parade.com/311395/viannguyen/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-the-statue-of-liberty-she-was-almost-gold/

CREATE:

• Try one of the fun French activities listed at http://www.kidactivities.net/post/countries-around-the-world-themes.aspx
• What’s more French than French food? Learn how to say French fries in French (the French actually call them fried potatoes) and many other mouth-watering French words at http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/primarylanguages/french/food_and_drink/. You can hear how they sound too. Bon appetit!
• Make some of your own French cuisine using the kid-friendly recipes at http://www.easy-french-food.com/easy-recipes-for-kids.html
• Wonder what it would be like to see from the top of the Eiffel Tower? You can do that, plus play games about this famous landmark, at http://www.toureiffel.paris/en/childrens-tower.html.
• Tour Versailles without the crowds or expense: http://en.chateauversailles.fr/homepage

CARE:

• One of France’s most popular flowers is the lavender. Make a lavender sachet following these directions: http://www.redtedart.com/2012/08/01/kids-crafts-sewing-with-kids-lavender-bags/
• Promote good U.S.-French relations by connecting with the world’s largest cultural and language centr network: Alliance Francaise: http://alliance-us.org/
• Follow France’s famous bike race: the Tour de France at http://www.letour.fr/us/. Consider creating your own Tour de Neighborhood race as a service project fund-raiser. Race to raise money….

CAREERS:

Are you a Francophile (someone who loves all things French)? There are lots of jobs waiting for you: chef, fashion designer, diplomat, literary expert, translator, travel agent, teacher, international business person.

Check out this long list of job possibilities: http://www.umassd.edu/cas/fll/programs/undergraduateprograms/majorsminorsconcentrations/frenchmajor/whatcanidowithafrenchmajor/

http://www.omniglot.com/language/articles/frenchcareers.htm

This site also gives good reasons for learning French: http://french.virginia.edu/undergraduate/whattodo