Parent Guide > The Last Class: The Story of a Little Alsatian
Welcome to the parent guide for this text! Read below to find out about what your child is reading in class and how you can support him/her at home.
This week in class, we’re reading "The Last Class: The Story of a Little Alsatian" by Alphonse Daudet.
Alphonse Daudet (1840-1897) was a French writer. This story about the repercussions of war on culture takes place in Alsace after the Franco-Prussian war. In the tale, a young Alsatian boy is met with a surprising announcement when he arrives at his French class: French lessons have been forbidden, and only German may be taught in their region.
As we read, we will be discussing the themes of Community, Social Change & Revolution, and War & Peace as they relate to the text. We are trying to answer these big questions :
"How are we changed by war?", "Why do people resist change?", and "What is the importance of community?"
Ways to support your child:
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Ask your child about this short story at home:
- What was "The Last Class: The Story of a Little Alsatian" about?
- What did you learn about Community?
- What did you learn about Social Change & Revolution?
- What did you learn about War & Peace?
- Watch the following clips with your child at home: