This is the Loup story I read the most on my bus after “Le loup qui voulait changer de couleur” because it is so accessible to children who have done very little French but more proficient learners can really be challenged with it too. It is also cross-curricular as you get a geography lesson whilst you travel the world with Loup!
Language of text: French
Type of text: picture book
Author or source: Orianne Lallemand & Eléonore Thuillier
Intended age of students: Key Stage 2/3
Source reference: 9782733822318
Approaches:
Normally, when I read this story, once we have worked out from the cover that Loup is going to travel the world I ask each pupil to write down, on a small white board or in their books, where Loup goes: countries and cities; if they know them, I also ask them to write the continents in French. To challenge some pupils, you can give them the task to note any landmarks which they hear (most of them are cognates).
Rationale:
This story is great because even though the French in it is complicated, there are enough cognates for the children to get a real sense of achievement as they hear and recognise words, in context, which they have never heard before in French, like “sphinx”. Elements of the story link in with primary topics (eg Egypt) and of course geography. You can use the map of the world at the front or at the back of the book (inside cover) to follow Loup’s journey.
Outcomes:
As well as getting a sense of achievement from understanding a whole story in French, the children will enjoy the fun parts of the story, for instance when Loup nearly gets eaten by a crocodile or when animals in the jungle are actually scared of him. They always pick up extra words (like “crocodile”) and really enjoy it. You can then build on all of the above by using great resources (links below) to look at the flags of the countries which are visited… and more!
Topics or themes:
countries, where they are and cultural facts; continents, International day
Grammar:
The text is very rich; you could focus on many different grammar points: nouns, adjectives, the imperfect tense… and many more!
How much time required:
1-3 lessons
The most amazing resources to go with this story can be found here on Bout de Gomme and also here.
If you like this book, you can now treat yourself to the beautiful “Les voyages secrets de Loup”! I got it as a Christmas present and am looking forward to reading it to some children soon; the blog will be for another time!
Here are all the Loup stories I have written about.
Which one is your favourite Loup story?
Finally, if you found this helpful, please click here to receive my new resources (and more) regularly straight in your mail box!
Merci !
Nathalie