Ideas - Classroom Activities
juin 2021
Biscuits de Madeleine fait à la main
Recette – Biscuits de Madeleine
Submitted by Kimberley Harter, Webmaster AATF of CNY
I’ve always wanted to make these delicious cookies, and years ago, my husband bought me the perfect Madeleine cookie sheets, which sadly sat neglected in the cupboard for a very long time. With teaching French full time, advising French Club and SHF, leading the World Language Department, and raising a family, let’s simply say that time constraints kept me from taking the time to prepare what I consider to be a sweet French delicacy beyond the savory flavors of coq au vin, boeuf bourguignon and soupe à l'oignon gratinée.
Now steeped in my retirement and the recent pandemic, giving me an abundance of time at home, I’ve researched an easy recipe (comme, malheureusement, je ne suis pas pâtissière), and have been making “les biscuits de Madeleine” in abundance for every occasion that I can think of. Quelle amusement! This particular recipe is full proof for the first-time baker and renders delicious, picture-perfect sponge cake cookies that historically were a favorite of Louis XV.
Originating in Commercy, Lorraine, a young girl named Madeleine, followed her grandmother’s recipe and created what is to this day, an iconic “pâtisserie” that is synonymous and identifiable with the best cheeses and wines of France. Louis XV, after paying a visit to Lorraine and tasting these delightful golden gems, took them back to Versailles where they quickly became “très populaire”.
Those of us who were surprisingly introduced to them at the dinner table in a wicker basket, lined with a white napkin, warm out of the oven, sprinkled with powdered sugar, will forever equate that experience with that of Marcel Proust as he dipped them in tea in his Aunt’s backyard. A French garden that we can only imagine and a conversation between he and his aunt that we have long been privy to.
Captivated by the very idea that smells and tastes bring us back to the long lost memories of our childhood, we equate Marcel Proust’s Madeleine cookie experience with that of the warm chocolate chip cookie, a homemade slice of bread, smore or favorite birthday cake that can retrieve our own childhood memories. Simply stated, but profoundly impactful, having studied the brilliant literature of Marcel Proust and his recollection of this delightful “biscuit”, “A la Recherche du Temps Perdu” will forever change how we embrace our childhood memories and how we embark upon our journey of remembering.
The recipe that I have been using can be found at the link below. A video with tips is included, which I took the time to review before I embarked on my first attempt to bake these delicious cookies. It’s worth watching!
https://sugarspunrun.com/madeleines/
My personal tips: Enjoy fresh out of the oven, warm with powdered sugar!
Try these flavors: Vanilla extract with lemon zest; Almond extract with orange zest.
Have fun and happy baking! Bon appétit!
mars 2021
World Language Classroom with Joshua Cabral
Click here to find an invaluable resource of "Tips, Tools and Resources for Teaching Foreign Language".
fevrier 2021
Here are a few sites to visit for some great resources!
https://wakelet.com/@AATFrench
https://www.youtube.com/user/aatfrench/playlists
janvier 2021
Le Nouvel An by Jeannie Starman for levels 2-5AP
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1zJFJHLnTDxNfE1ZRySOeXlX0-OdPNg2FXmscIL282pg/edit?usp=sharing
janvier
Reference MOMES.net (L’Epiphanie) and choose a hands-on activity that students can make at home, show and explain during virtual class time.
https://www.momes.net/calendrier-fetes/fetes-religieuses/epiphanie
Use Poll Everywhere to have students post their new year’s resolutions. Discuss common themes. Incorporate ideas for Healthy living.
Use FlipGrid to have students talk about how their holiday traditions were different this year due to the pandemic. Allow other students to comment/like, discuss making connections through all of your classes.
Play Virtual Galette des Rois
Watch a firework display from Paris to bring in the new year.
or Versailles
French 1
Use Quizlet to review holiday vocabulary.
Play “Kahoot” to review “Les Traditions de Noel”.
Watch a demonstration of how to make “Une galette des Rois” (or read a simple recipe). Have students make a list of ingredients they recognize.
or
Introduce the traditional song “La Marche des Rois”.
French 2
Write New Year’s Resolutions using Aller + Infinitif and/or Le Futur Simple with Regular Verbs. Post on Flipgrid (speaking) Padlet (writing).
Alexa – Aller (au present) https://youtu.be/Ru9pCQDV1eE
Watch a demonstration of how to make “Une galette des Rois”. Have students make a list of verbs from the video with definitions.
Play a review Jeopardy game (variety of topics)
https://www.superteachertools.us/jeopardyx/jeopardy-review-game.php?gamefile=23359#.X_IGmdhKg2w
French 3
Study the French Zodiac and write a horoscope under a sign using Le Futur Simple while emphasizing verbs with irregular stems. Post on Padlet or Poll Everywhere. For fun, choose a classmate and write a positive zodiac and exchange.
Watch a demonstration of how to make “Une galette des Rois”.
Encourage students to make “une galette” using a simple recipe and play with their families at home. Take photos. Share online.
https://www.marmiton.org/recettes/recette_galette-des-rois_10832.aspx
French 4
Research “Le Musee de Blain” online and answer questions pertaining to its, location, hours of operation, contact information, etc. from the website.
https://museedeblain.wordpress.com/actualites/
Create an EdPuzzle using a (portion) of an interview about “Artisanat: les fèves de l'Épiphanie, de la tradition à la passion”
Participate in a Yoga class virtually.
https://www.marieclaire.fr/cours-yoga-sport-meditation-en-direct,1341416.asp
Discus/Debate what defines beauty under the AP theme:
- Theme 6: Beauty and Aesthetics / L’esthétique
- Ideals of Beauty / Le beau
- Music / La musique
- Performing Arts / Les arts du spectacle
- Visual Arts / Les arts visuels
Overarching Essential Questions:
- How are perceptions of beauty and creativity established?
- How do ideals of beauty and aesthetics influence daily life?
- How do the arts both challenge and reflect cultural perspectives?
French 5
Create an EdPuzzle using a (portion) of a TV interview about “Le Musee de Blain”, a museum for “les feves”.
Discuss/Debate the COVID-19 Vaccine(s) using the AP theme:
(multiple vaccines, order of distribution, choice to receive or not)
- Theme 2: Science and Technology / La science et la technologie
Overarching Essential Questions:
- How do developments in science and technology affect our lives?
- What factors have driven innovation and discovery in the fields of science and technology?
- What role does ethics play in scientific advancement?
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