French Lesson Plan

Introduction: Introduce your students to the moving and profound story of "Au Revoir Les Enfants" (Goodbye, Children) with our comprehensive French lesson plan. Directed by Louis Malle, this autobiographical film captures the innocence of childhood amidst the harsh realities of war, making it an excellent tool for language learning and historical exploration.

Film Summary: "Au Revoir Les Enfants" is director Louis Malle's autobiographical account of a boy's first friendship and his discovery of the real world. Set in a Catholic boarding school during the occupation of France, this powerful story follows Julien Quentin, a sensitive, headstrong 12-year-old boy who befriends a new student, Jean Bonnet. Initially, Julien is intrigued by Jean's differences, and their friendship grows as they share common experiences. However, Julien accidentally discovers Jean's secret: he is a Jewish boy hiding from the Nazis. This discovery leads to a tragic series of events that will change their lives forever. The film features the performances of Gaspard Manesse, Raphael Fejtö, and Francine Racette.

Suggested Dates for Classroom Use:

• January 7: Release Date of "Au Revoir les Enfants," discussing the film’s impact and its portrayal of friendship and loss during wartime
• February 13: Marius Goring's Birthday, celebrating the actor’s contribution to the film and his role as Father Jean
• May 8: Victory in Europe Day (VE Day), reflecting on the film’s depiction of World War II and the impact of war on children
• November 9: Kristallnacht Remembrance Day, exploring the film’s themes of persecution, courage, and the moral complexities faced during the Holocaust

Conclusion: Using "Au Revoir Les Enfants" in your classroom not only enhances language skills but also provides profound insights into historical events and human relationships. This lesson plan includes structured activities, discussion questions, and cultural notes to enrich the learning experience. Explore our comprehensive film-based lesson plans and engage your students in meaningful ways. IMDB

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