With the holiday season underway, the Bridgewater-Raritan High School French Club visited John F. Kennedy (JFK) Primary School to introduce fourth graders to the French language and holiday traditions.
The trip took place on December 9, 2025, during the school day, with French Club members leaving the high school midway through Block 2 and returning before the end of Block 6. After arriving at JFK Primary School, students split into smaller groups and visited fourth-grade classrooms to lead interactive activities and lessons.
In each classroom, French Club members began by introducing themselves in French and teaching students how to say their names using the phrase “Je m’appelle.” They then presented a lesson on holidays in France using a slideshow, encouraging students to compare French traditions with those in the United States.
The presentation explained France’s location, the meaning of Noël (Christmas), and how the French holiday season begins on December 6 with the Feast of Saint Nicholas and ends on January 6 with Epiphany. Students also learned about French Christmas traditions, such as leaving shoes out for gifts, the manger scene, and special holiday foods like la bûche de Noël. The lesson also introduced Père Noël, France’s version of Santa Claus, and Père Fouettard, a folklore figure who punishes misbehaving children.
Following the presentation, French Club members led hands-on activities to reinforce the lesson. Fourth graders participated in a holiday bingo game, known as Loto in French, where they learned French vocabulary related to the holidays. Students then created holiday cards in French, practicing simple words and phrases with the help of Bridgewater-Raritan High School students. JFK students then received pencils and stickers from the French Club as rewards.
Throughout the visit, French Club members focused on keeping the lessons engaging and interactive, sitting with students, asking questions, and keeping them involved.
After leaving JFK Primary School, Bridgewater-Raritan High School students stopped for lunch at Crêpes Du Nord before returning to the high school in time for Block 6.
One French Club member, junior Arshitha Hari Krishna, reflected on the experience.
“It was fun to connect with students in the district and share something we’re passionate about.”
Junior Maanvita Konka, another member of the French club, expressed her thoughts.
“It was really rewarding to see how excited the fourth graders were to learn French. They were asking questions, participating in every activity, and genuinely curious about the culture. It reminded me why learning a language can be so fun.”
The visit allowed the Bridgewater-Raritan High School French Club members to share their passion for language learning in a hands-on way, while encouraging curiosity and enthusiasm for French among JFK Primary School’s fourth graders.
