Crepes and Culture in French Class

French language students in 7th and 8th grades learned about crepes and culture in a class gathering.

This school year marks the first time students in 7th and 8th grades have had a choice in determining the world language they want to study. They could continue their Spanish studies or turn a new page and learn Mandarin or French.

Middle School students in Cynthia Marker’s French section recently spent a class that focused on cuisine and culture with chef and Food Service Manager Zac Maness joining Marker as guest teacher. As students entered the class, Maness prepared crepes in front of the classroom.

In a mixture of French and English, Marker queried students about French cuisine items they were familiar with and where they purchased these items in the city. Maness spoke about the difference in breads and baked goods in France versus the more processed items most Americans were familiar with in local grocery stores. He also pointed out that every culture has a hand-based food similar to crepes—comparing them to other cultures’ burritos, shawarmas and sushi hand rolls.

Maness distributed the crepes to students as he completed them, and Marker continued to connect students with facts about the language, culture and people of France, including the observance of La Chandeleur every February 2. While the holiday has religious origins, it is also traditionally a day to make and eat crepes.

Enjoy photos from this experience here.