Are your students about to start the Heritage and Identity: Changing Family and Community Traditions unit? This Grade 2 Social Studies unit all about traditions, families, and how these things change over time. It’s a fantastic time to explore French books about families and social situations, introducing how families work and operate.
I usually start talking about diverse families before moving on to talking about traditions. Your students will be used to their family dynamics. However, as you explore the diversity of families, you can spark a discussion about how families aren’t all the same. They don’t all look the same, act the same, or even include the same kinds of people.
Of course, as with any unit, it’s an opportunity to teach family vocabulary to your class. That’s why I use French books about families to cover both bases. Let’s go through some of these wonderful books.
Une famille c’est une famille
Une famille c’est une famille is a delightful book perfect for sparking conversations in your classroom about the many ways families can be. In this story, students take turns describing their own families, showcasing just how varied family structures can be.
Some families are large and bustling with energy, while others are small and intimate. You’ll find families with two moms, single parents, or grandparents as caregivers. Not do all families behave the same – some are loud and love singing together, while others might enjoy a quieter set of activities.
One of the standout features of “Une famille c’est une famille” compared to other French books about families is its inclusion of split custody situations. It’s often difficult for children – especially when they compare themselves to other families. However, the book reminds us that even when parents live apart, the family bond remains strong. (And it introduces the idea to children whose parents remain together, encouraging them to be a little kinder to their fellow classmates.)
After reading, why not spark a journalling activity? Encourage them to write freely about their own families. During this open-ended exercise, they can write whatever they like. Let them express what makes their family special or unique without following a pre-aligned prompt.
Notre classe est une famille
Strictly speaking, Notre classe est une famille isn’t about families at home. That being said, I believe it’s a fantastic addition to the Grade 2 Social Studies unit.
The book begins by mentioning all the people who are in families: moms and dads, children, aunts and uncles, grannies and granddads, and on and on. But it’s also about the wider definition of families: the people who might not be related by blood.
Think about it – school is where children spend most of their time outside of their homes. Teachers, classmates, and other people at school form another kind of family. It teaches your children that anywhere with a supportive, loving environment can be similar to that of a family.
But don’t be heavy-handed – let the students discuss and explore these ideas for themselves. Ask them what makes a family. You could do this as a casual discussion or pull out the whiteboard and begin writing down their ideas. As far as French books about families go, this is definitely a conversation starter!
Comme on t’aime! Un livre sur les familles
Families come in all shapes and sizes. Few French books about families explore this idea better than Comme on t’aime! Un livre sur les familles. The rich diversity of families isn’t just about the colour of people’s skin or the kind of relationships, but also the way they live, act and celebrate their traditions. It’s a celebration of how different families can be, yet how each one is the same in their love and connection.
Throughout the book, readers go on a journey, learning about different family traditions and lifestyles. Some families live in different locations; others hold different religious beliefs. It’s not hard to see why this book is perfect for Grade 2 Social Studies.
You can also open up the discussion. Ask students questions like, “What are the traditions in your family? What do you celebrate and how?” These can be serious traditions like celebrating Eid or Christmas or sillier ones like family pyjama day or favorite board games.
There’s an opportunity to go even broader. Part of the other Grade 2 social studies unit is exploring global communities. Talk about how families function in different parts of the world.
Tout mélangé
Modern families often arise from a blend of traditions and backgrounds, forging new identities. Tout mélangé brilliantly explores these ideas in such a clever way. The story begins with three colors – red, blue, and yellow – living together peacefully. However, things change when the Reds start to believe they are the best, leading to disagreements and silence among the colors.
The turning point comes when a blue and yellow start talking again, eventually getting married and having a baby. Now, we’ve got a brand-new color: green! The green baby combines the best of both worlds, becoming loved by everyone. Inspired by this, all the colors begin to talk and marry each other, resulting in a vibrant world full of many beautiful colors.
While this book might not be the first that comes to mind when looking for French books about families, it’s a fantastic introduction to diversity and harmony. Spark a conversation among your students about the diversity in people and families. Encourage your students to share their thoughts on how differences can strengthen a community and how everyone’s special traits contribute to a richer, more harmonious world.
I love sharing read aloud ideas for primary French students. If you’re looking for other book recommendations, check out my other posts!
