And their world tour that they enjoyed so much, they chose to offer it as a gift, just in time for the Christmas festivities. This is a very special book, plus a song to accompany it all.
We suspect that the students from kindergarten to sixth grade did not go on a real world tour, strictly speaking.
But for them, the research exercise on a particular country in order to relate the unique journey of the character Gerard the Lazy Turtle was also fruitful.
“At the beginning of the year, in what we call our family councils, we chose the theme of around the world. From that point on, each class chose a continent and had over a month to research.”
— Sara Lefrançois, teacher and project manager
Through the book, young and old are invited to follow Gérard the Lazy Turtle through his world tour which was written and illustrated entirely by the students themselves.
Moreover, for Ms. Lefrançois’ third-year students, the experience was quite different, as they were able to literally follow the class mascot through the different attractions of Australia.
“I have a friend who is a tour guide and she was going to Australia, so she brought our class mascot with her and our mascot would email us a day and update us on her trip.”
A welcome launch
To crown the work of the students as part of this project, they were all invited Wednesday morning to the small Place des Arts in Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc to discover the fruit of their work.
“I found it very creative,” said third-year student Ézékiel Lépine who had the task Wednesday morning of giving thanks.
Her teacher was also very moved by this moment shared with all the students.
“I got chills all over when I heard the song because I also saw all the students singing, it was very beautiful.”
— Sara Lefrançois, teacher and project manager
A bonus song
The famous book which so occupied the students was not, however, the only project set up by them and by Denis Massé, alias Henri Godon. A song was also created, inspired by this adventure.
Students were able to hear their song for the first time on Wednesday. (Energy School Service Center)
To achieve this, the students had a helping hand from the composer to help them write the song, among other things.
Moreover, the funds that will be raised through the sale of the book will be donated to the school foundation in order to create a nourishing forest.
