Well, this morning I had the most fun I've had in ages (I don't get out much...)
I was helping out at school at the 'Full English Breakfast' morning - the idea is that the French kids eat their bacon and eggs, marmalade and toast with tea, then talk in English about the experience and other topics, with volunteers - my topic being their future hopes for jobs or further education. It is quite unusual here for parents to help out - we even had the photographer from the local paper here to take a piccy for the record.
What a hoot!
There was the table with the big boys (there is always a group somewhere) - all chortling, pushing, and stuffing sausages into their mouths as fast as they could, all wanting to be mechanics, work with tractors or to be builders - they were very loud and giggly but frank and honest - apparently you can forget scrambled eggs but the bacon and sausages were great...
Another group, of four quiet girls, all long blond hair and carefully made-up, wanted to be doctors or go into commerce but were very animated when I asked how important the English language was to them, they all said 'very' especially if they wanted to do well. Another mixed group wanted to be farmers or vets, and working with children seemed a popular choice of work, and again, they felt English was important, but only because they had British friends!
The interesting thing is that all the kids expected to go onto further education, either lycée generale (like college for 'A' levels) or lycée professionnel (vocational training) and none said they would go straight to work - even if they could find a job!
So, they all found the experience of the Full English Breakfast quite novel, and I would like to think my little conversation with them might also be of use - if nothing else, at least they now know what Kath's mum is like!
Oh, yes, that must have been fun! Learning about other countries and cultures through food is not the least bit intimidating. We once housed two young ladies from Japan when my children were still at home. The meal they prepared for us was amazing, delicious and helped with the language barrier... there was no culture barrier when it came to giggling girls and cooking together.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea and a super thing for you to be involved in - you hadn't forgotten how to scramble eggs!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy to hear they all have expectations of further education - especially important in the EU environment I would think.
Thank you so much for your sweet comment on my blog just now - I really appreciate your visit!
I've now finished sewing up the slippers and need to put on the ribbons and button at the back. I'll show that next week if you want to look!
love
Shane
That is such a good idea! The only problem is reading your post has made me desparate to have full English breakfast... and I'm on a diet. I might try to create a slim-line one!! Have a happy weekend. Jane xx
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