Discover the transformative power of French read aloud books about mental health. There is a lot of power in reading. Not only do French read alouds help students learn new vocabulary and strengthen their language skills, but they also address important themes. Mental health is becoming a common (and important) topic in today’s world. And luckily, these French books about mental health put this complex topic into kid-friendly terms.
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Why you should use French read aloud books about mental health
Using French read-alouds about mental health in the classroom offers a multifaceted approach to education. With the prevalence of mental health struggles, normalizing discussions around mental well-being is more important than ever.
By exploring diverse perspectives in literature, students develop emotional literacy, critical thinking skills, and a deeper understanding of the universality of mental health concerns. The connection to real-life experiences promotes empathy and well-being while aiding language retention.
Additionally, this approach equips students with essential life skills related to emotional health and interpersonal relationships, making it a valuable and holistic educational strategy.
#1 Le dino anxieux
This French mental health book is about an anxious dinosaur who is going on a picnic, but he’s struggling with the unknown. He wishes he knew what was going to happen ahead of time. As he walks to the picnic, he begins to worry. What if he gets lost? What if he runs out of water? These worries feel really consuming, but then the dinosaur remembers what his mom told him to cope with those big feelings.
You can turn this book into a whole class activity by talking about what anxiety feels like and practising coping skills, like breathing techniques, with students. Grab the book here.
#2 Une idée pour Papi
This children’s book has a different spin on mental health. It focuses on how to deal with your loved one’s mental health. The book starts with an introduction to Grand-papa, Papi, and Lou. The author shares the characters’ personalities and routines. One day, Papi falls and learns he will be wheelchair-bound for the remainder of his life. For a long time, Papi doesn’t leave his bed, and the family becomes worried.
After reading this French book about mental health, have a discussion with students about how families’ mental health can affect us and how to deal with it. Also, reassure students that they aren’t responsible for anyone else’s struggles, but we can support each other. Find Une idée pour Papi here.
#3 Au coeur des mots
A hard lesson for kids to learn is the impact of their words on others. This story alternates between the perspective of a child and a cat. Through the story, students see the impact that words can have on others – and how unkind words can hurt adults and kids alike.
After reading this French read aloud with students, brainstorm ways to show kindness to others. You can even initiate a kindness challenge with your class and challenge them to do at least one act of kindness each day. Grab this French mental health book here.
#4 Toi!
This story made it to my list of French books about mental health because it talks about the importance of individuality. When we are true to ourselves, we are often the happiest and most at peace. In this story, the author talks about different traits that make every person unique and special.
This book is perfect for early language learners. After reading, have students use the French vocabulary to identify adjectives that describe themselves. They can also use it in a sentence. Then, have them draw a complimentary image, like the ones seen in the book, or have the adjectives become part of the image. This is a great way to tie in visual arts to your lesson. Grab the read aloud book here.
#5 Le souci de Calie
In this final book about mental health, Callie loves being herself until, one day, she finds a worry. She tries to ignore it, but it only gets bigger and bigger. This book does a great job of visually representing anxiety through a fuzzy ball that grows.
This book is great for early learners because it puts a complex message into simple terms that students can understand. Plus, it’s a great segway to a discussion about anxiety. It helps normalise that everyone worries, and it’s important to acknowledge this feeling. Find Le souci de Calie here.
I highly recommend adding these books about mental health to your classroom library! Not only do they make great French read alouds, but they pack powerful messages. Check out my other book recommendations for French Immersion and Core French here.
