What is la pâtisserie?
La pâtisserie has many meanings. It is a pastry, the art of pastry making and a pastry shop. The art of pastry has a long and rich history and it often goes back to the queens and kings of France and Italy.
La pâtisserie has many meanings. It is a pastry, the art of pastry making and a pastry shop. The art of pastry has a long and rich history and it often goes back to the queens and kings of France and Italy.
Why learn a language through baking?
When students have something to do or make while acquiring the language, they acquire more language! As our favorite philosopher, John Dewey, said, “Give the pupils something to do, not something to learn; and the doing is of such a nature as to demand thinking; learning naturally results.”
Stephen Krashan, one of the great researchers on second language learning and acquisition has proved that the best way for students to learn a second language is the way they learned their first language: When the language is being used to transmit messages that are interesting to the students (BAKING!) not through explicit instruction of the language (grammar exercises, memorizing lists of words, which do have a role to play but it is not the only role in second language acquisition). Thus, students acquire more language by using the language through things they enjoy! Learning language through compelling stories, games, play and hands-on activities are all ways to gain more language.
When students have something to do or make while acquiring the language, they acquire more language! As our favorite philosopher, John Dewey, said, “Give the pupils something to do, not something to learn; and the doing is of such a nature as to demand thinking; learning naturally results.”
Stephen Krashan, one of the great researchers on second language learning and acquisition has proved that the best way for students to learn a second language is the way they learned their first language: When the language is being used to transmit messages that are interesting to the students (BAKING!) not through explicit instruction of the language (grammar exercises, memorizing lists of words, which do have a role to play but it is not the only role in second language acquisition). Thus, students acquire more language by using the language through things they enjoy! Learning language through compelling stories, games, play and hands-on activities are all ways to gain more language.
What is Summer Baking Camp for incoming 2nd-6th graders?
The summer baking camp is a week-long camp where we learn the art of la pâtisserie. Each day we bake a different well-known pâtisserie (pastry) and learn about the pastry's history, ingredients and region of France or francophone country it came from. Bakers are in small rotation groups throughout the day, so that they have ample space and attention in the kitchen. Other rotations include creating menus and decorations for our dégustation (tasting event), and playing games. At the end of each day, we enjoy eating what we made, learning ways to talk about food in French. At the end of the week, bakers invite friends & families for une dégustation (a tasting) of our pastries from the week. Bakers are given a bilingual cook book that they can take home so they can make the pastry at home afterwards!
The summer baking camp is a week-long camp where we learn the art of la pâtisserie. Each day we bake a different well-known pâtisserie (pastry) and learn about the pastry's history, ingredients and region of France or francophone country it came from. Bakers are in small rotation groups throughout the day, so that they have ample space and attention in the kitchen. Other rotations include creating menus and decorations for our dégustation (tasting event), and playing games. At the end of each day, we enjoy eating what we made, learning ways to talk about food in French. At the end of the week, bakers invite friends & families for une dégustation (a tasting) of our pastries from the week. Bakers are given a bilingual cook book that they can take home so they can make the pastry at home afterwards!
What is Summer Baking Camp for incoming 7th-10th graders?
The summer baking camp is a week-long camp where we learn the French language and francophone cultures through food and baking. Everyday we bake a different well-known pâtisserie (pastry) and learn about the pastry's history, ingredients and region of France or francophone country it came from. At the end of each day, we enjoy eating what we made, learning ways to talk about food in French. By the end of the week, bakers will be able to say in French the most common ingredients in pastries, the most common pastries in French and the history of French pastries. In addition, they will know the most common verbs used in the kitchen. The food unit is modeled after the Virginia Commonwealth's Program of Study for French as well as Madame Rebecca's tried and true experiences during her 2o+ years of teaching French through baking.
The summer baking camp is a week-long camp where we learn the French language and francophone cultures through food and baking. Everyday we bake a different well-known pâtisserie (pastry) and learn about the pastry's history, ingredients and region of France or francophone country it came from. At the end of each day, we enjoy eating what we made, learning ways to talk about food in French. By the end of the week, bakers will be able to say in French the most common ingredients in pastries, the most common pastries in French and the history of French pastries. In addition, they will know the most common verbs used in the kitchen. The food unit is modeled after the Virginia Commonwealth's Program of Study for French as well as Madame Rebecca's tried and true experiences during her 2o+ years of teaching French through baking.
My child does not speak French. Can we still do the camp?
Yes! There are two types of camps this year:
1-Baking en français: Baking through the French language. Instruction is mostly in French and bakers should feel ok with hearing French most of the time. Bakers do not need to be fluent in French, but should be ok with hearing it and eventually speaking some French. French will be used by the camp leaders about 90% of the time. Since we have the same routine everyday, campers do get very used to hearing the history of the pastry, the ingredients and the baking techniques in French. Campers should have at least one experience already hearing and using the French language.
2-Baking sprinkled with French: Campers learn the French names of the pastries, ingredients and baking techniques, English is used most of the time with a sprinkle of French.
Yes! There are two types of camps this year:
1-Baking en français: Baking through the French language. Instruction is mostly in French and bakers should feel ok with hearing French most of the time. Bakers do not need to be fluent in French, but should be ok with hearing it and eventually speaking some French. French will be used by the camp leaders about 90% of the time. Since we have the same routine everyday, campers do get very used to hearing the history of the pastry, the ingredients and the baking techniques in French. Campers should have at least one experience already hearing and using the French language.
2-Baking sprinkled with French: Campers learn the French names of the pastries, ingredients and baking techniques, English is used most of the time with a sprinkle of French.
My child did French Baking Camp last year. Will do you make the same pastries this year? No, each year we bake some new pastries! We may do one or two of our favorite from last year, but we will also be discovering new pastries this year!
How many bakers and counselors in the camp? Each session has a maximum of 12 bakers (campers). Our counselor/baker ratio is 1 counselor to 4 bakers The bakers are in small groups so they can have plenty of space and attention when it's their time to be in the kitchen!
Can we have a refund? Refunds are not issued after the week before camp begins. Due to materials bought and extensive planning based on registration numbers, it is not feasible to give refunds close to the camp date. No refunds or prorated credit will be given for late arrivals, early departures and absences.
How can we practice French at home?
Tutoring Mme Rebecca may be available for tutoring.
Shows and movies! Watch shows that are interesting to you! Netflix, Amazon Prime and Youtube have many French-speaking shows you can watch and may an English subtitles option.
Listening to music and trying to understand the lyrics!
Reading books and magazines! Bonjour Maman in Kensington has a very large collection of new and used French books and magazines. http://www.bonjourmama.com/
Hooray 4 Books on King St. in Old Town Alexandria and French Politics & Prose in Washington, DC has a collection of French books for sale as well.
A few libraries in our area have books you may borrow: The library at Alliance Francaise in DC, DC Public Libraries and Beatley library here in Alexandria.
You may also join a French book club offered by the "L'ECOLE DES LOISIRS" publishers. For less than $10/month your child receives a French book. I often read these books in class so you may learn how to pronounce the words with me and then read them with your child at home. Please ask me about joining this enriching book club. This publisher also offers many other books if you're interested in buying books that aren't in the subscription. Please see me for more information or click on Learning at Home and find the section about our French Book Club.
There are many French books to be found on amazon.com and amazon.fr
There are many apps available for learners. Duolingo is one of my favorites!
Tutoring Mme Rebecca may be available for tutoring.
Shows and movies! Watch shows that are interesting to you! Netflix, Amazon Prime and Youtube have many French-speaking shows you can watch and may an English subtitles option.
Listening to music and trying to understand the lyrics!
Reading books and magazines! Bonjour Maman in Kensington has a very large collection of new and used French books and magazines. http://www.bonjourmama.com/
Hooray 4 Books on King St. in Old Town Alexandria and French Politics & Prose in Washington, DC has a collection of French books for sale as well.
A few libraries in our area have books you may borrow: The library at Alliance Francaise in DC, DC Public Libraries and Beatley library here in Alexandria.
You may also join a French book club offered by the "L'ECOLE DES LOISIRS" publishers. For less than $10/month your child receives a French book. I often read these books in class so you may learn how to pronounce the words with me and then read them with your child at home. Please ask me about joining this enriching book club. This publisher also offers many other books if you're interested in buying books that aren't in the subscription. Please see me for more information or click on Learning at Home and find the section about our French Book Club.
There are many French books to be found on amazon.com and amazon.fr
There are many apps available for learners. Duolingo is one of my favorites!
