French Holiday Short Story bundle reading comprehension and activities

This French Reading Comprehension Activities Holiday Short Story Bundle is perfect for intermediate and advanced French readers. It can be used for free voluntary reading, guided class reading, or as a sub plan for when you can’t be there.

The French Holiday short story bundle includes:

• 12 stories with vocabulary reference
• comprehension questions to accompany the story
• rewrite/retell activities
• additional readings and resources related to the topic of the story

The stories address a variety of situations, including cultural information.

A brief summary of each story in the French Holiday short story bundle:

Les Super-Pères: a group of fathers has banded together to become superheroes – but the only thing they succeed in doing is embarrassing their children. Whether it’s by making bad jokes or just doing weird things, the kids can’t deal with their dorky fathers. Includes present and past tense versions.

Le Mois de Fierté: two best friends deal with one of them realizing that he is gay. His friend is supportive of him and shows that support in different ways. Past tense, using imparfait and passé composé.

Les Mères Mystérieuses: a group of students has noticed that their moms are not acting normal – what could possibly be causing this? Includes past and present tense versions.

Le Lapin de Pâques: the Easter Bunny has to deal with his twin brother – who isn’t a fan of spreading joy and happiness. Present and past tense versions.

Le roi du mardi gras: a man finds the baby in his king cake on the day before Mardi Gras. He discovers that it gives him special powers – but how long will they last? And where did they come from? Includes past tense and conditional.

Pink Shirt Day: The first short story is about a class that is challenged to do more than just wear a pink shirt to observe the day – and they realize that their actions make a difference. The second short story is about a girl who uses her talents to recognize students for doing kind things for their fellow students. Past tense.

Le Nouvel An Chinois: a Chinese-Canadian girl who is struggling with the traditions of the holiday.

La Fève: a young couple is trying to be accepted by their new town, but a mishap on Epiphany may doom their chances. How can they ever earn the trust of their neighbors again? Past tense.

Les crêpes de chance: a man and a woman who can’t agree on the meaning of crêpe-flipping – as a scientist, Emilie can’t accept that how you flip a crêpe can affect the rest of the year. Jean insists that it does, so they make a bet. Who will win? Past tense.

Les aventures du Père Fouettard: Père Fouettard is tired of always being the bad guy. So this year he makes a deal – HE will be delivering the presents and getting to be part of the joy of the season! What could possibly go wrong? It turns out, quite a bit!  Kids are scared, nobody trusts the new guy, and nobody is quite sure exactly how the presents will get delivered. Past tense.

La Saint Valentine: Valentine’s Day is fast approaching – but so many weird things have been happening on campus lately that Marc and Lola are starting to get worried. Past tense (this one is currently being updated – will have new images by February!)

Un Dîner Spécial: A bull, a pig and a turkey have noticed the special season – and the magic of the holidays. They make a plan to celebrate a “tanksgeevink” like never seen before. But what could possibly go wrong? Two past tense versions – one with passé simple, one without.

Having short stories available can also save time in the event of emergency absences where you need to provide substitute material. These well-crafted stories are perfect for emergency sub plans that do not require advanced preparation or elaborate instructions. Just print out the bundle’s stories and supplemental materials and you’ll have a fun exercise ready for your students when you aren’t there to supervise them.