Yes, this book really is that big!! I bought it in April 2019 in an independent bookshop next to my brother’s in Lille. It is called “Au temps lire” and I recommend it if you are in the area; I have been back already!
Click here to see inside the book in a very short introductory video!
Type of text: picture book
Author or source: Thierry Dedieu, published by Seuil Jeunesse
Intended age of students: Key Stages 1/2/3
Source reference: 9791023511482
This is a beautiful, big and simply illustrated book that tells you a recipe for French pancakes.
Depending on the age and ability of the children, you can read it and let them enjoy listening to it and working out what it is about, or give them a challenge as they listen: for instance make a note in English of what the ingredients for the batter are (it will require 2 or 3 readings from you).
Once you have gone through the ingredients together, the next challenge is for the children to listen out (and read) for quantities of each ingredient.
Once the children are familiar with the ingredients, what they are and how to say them, you can read the story again and pause when an ingredient comes up – the children will fill the gaps.
Rationale:
Crêpes are a big deal in France… therefore children need to know about them! Looking at a recipe and being able to follow instructions (in any language) are essential skills, and this book helps with those.
It is so big that all the children in the class, if they are old enough, will be able to read the writing.
Outcomes:
The children are learning how to make crêpes – an essential skill (!).
Even if you cannot actually make the crêpes with your children, you can easily gather the ingredients and learn what they are in French, and pretend to make the batter. You could also (as I do with my 2 classes of 10-11 year olds each year) make the crêpes for them and let them taste them.
It is also interesting to pick out the verbs in the imperative in the story to see if the children can work out what they may mean and think in which other contexts they may use some of them.
Topics or themes:
Chandeleur (2nd February), Mardi Gras (Shrove Tuesday)
Grammar:
the imperative of -er verbs (and faire!)
How much time required:
1-2 lessons
More resources about Chandeleur and Mardi Gras can be found by clicking here.
You can buy this book on Amazon.co.uk by clicking here.
What is your favourite story or text to use to tell your children about pancakes? Please share it in the comments below!
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