Fifth Graders Explore France

Our fifth graders recently returned from an awesome nine-day trip to France, filled with language immersion, cultural exploration, and meaningful connections.

The trip began in Paris, where students learned to navigate the city, riding the metro, visiting iconic landmarks, and exploring world-renowned sites such as the Musée d’Orsay, Notre-Dame, and the Palace of Versailles. They completed learning activities, sketched observations in their notebooks, and even participated in the international Math Kangourou competition.

Midway through the trip, students traveled to La Rochelle, where they experienced life in a coastal French city. They explored the town, painted by the harbor, and practiced their French in real-world settings. A highlight of the trip was meeting their French correspondents in La Rochelle. Students played games, shared meals, and connected with their correspondents entirely in French. 

They returned to Paris for their final days. Students baked croissants and pain au chocolat, visited the Eiffel Tower, explored the Gallery of Evolution, and reflected on their many shared experiences. From navigating public transportation to engaging with French culture firsthand, the trip fostered independence, curiosity, and confidence.

This immersive experience is a true capstone for our fifth graders, who have been studying French since Maternelle. They not only gained, but also a deeper understanding of the world.