This is the story of how the pine tree came to become our cherished Christmas tree.
After working out with the children, from the front cover, what the story might be about, I will read it to them, all the way through, in French. The children will get emotionally involved in the little bird’s plea to find a home to keep him safe. It is short enough for them to be able to enjoy it whatever their knowledge of French.
I will read it again and ask the children to keep a tally of the words I want them to focus on to start with: arbre, feuille, sapin.
With older children, I will ask them to make a note of the adjectives which they can spot; this can be done as a listening task or, with the use of a visualiser, a reading task.
Rationale:
I want to use this story because it is different from other Christmas stories: there is not a bauble in sight! It is based on a legend from Alsace and is very sweet. It will enable us to talk about kindness as well and how it is often rewarded.
Outcomes:
The children will never forget the word “sapin” after this story!
They will love acting it out in groups of 4: 1 person per type of tree, 1 is the bird. The trees could use the phrase: “va-t-en!” to shoo the bird.
Younger children can work on a simplified version of the story (label the pictures in French, eg with oiseau, chêne), for instance they can make a minibook of it.
Older children can use a simplified version of the story to make a minibook too but using full sentences, eg start with “Le petite oiseau est malade. Il cherche un refuge.” do get in touch if you would like a simplified version from me.
Topics or themes:
Christmas
Grammar:
work on adjectives and adjectival agreement
How much time required:
1 or 2 lessons
You can find here resources to help exploit this story.It is based on a legend from Alsace; you can watch another version of the story here.
Unfortunately it looks like it may be difficult to source this book if you do not own it already… unless you can talk someone selling it on Amazon.fr to send it over ot you! Bonne chance!
You can read here about the other stories I recommend at Christmas time.
What is your favourite book based on a myth or a legend, in any language? Please tell me in the comments below!
Finally, before you leave, please click here to receive my new resources (and more) regularly straight in your mail box!
Merci !
Nathalie
I bought this very sweet book at a “vide-grenier” in France this summer; any time is a good time to buy a book about Christmas!
You can watch this very short video as an introduction to the story then carry on reading the blog for ideas!
Language of text: French
Type of text: picture book
Author or source: Thierry Chapeau, published by Éditions bu Basterg
Intended age of students: Key Stage 1/2/3
Source reference: 9782848230634