April 1 in Paris

Celebrate Poisson d'Avril with the French! This holiday is similar to April Fool's Day, when kids in France play pranks on each other.

1. Search the Internet or books to find out about the interesting French holiday Poisson d'Avril. The word poisson in French means fish, and Avril is April.

2. Draw several fish on construction paper with Crayola® Erasable Colored Pencils. Make them different shapes and sizes, real or imaginary. Show their fins, tails, and other features.

3. Decorate your fish in many unique colors and designs using Crayola Washable Markers. Cut them out with Crayola Scissors.

4. Use Crayola Glitter Glue to put the finishing touches on your fish. Dry. You're ready to celebrate Poisson d'Avril like children in France do, by taping fish on your friends' backs without them knowing it!

Adult supervision is required for any arts & crafts project.

Glitter Glue— WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD—Small parts. Not for children under 3 years. Not for use on skin.

Scissors—ATTENTION: The cutting edges of scissors are sharp and care should be taken whenever cutting or handling. Blunt-tip scissors should be used only by children 4 years and older. Pointed-tip scissors should be used only by children 6 years and older.

3-D Circus

Fascinating Fireflies

Black Cat Window Watcher

Crafts

crayola supplies

• Erasable Colored Pencils
• Markers
• Glitter Glue
• Blunt-Tip Scissors

household supplies

• construction paper

"My children's French class celebrated Poisson d'Avril with this activity. We had a great time while learning about French culture!"
Mary T., parent volunteer.

"Our family celebrates many countries' customs and holidays. Poisson d'Avril is a fun change of pace on April 1!"
Ilona B., mother of ages 7, 9, and 13.

Poisson d'Avril began in 1582 when France changed to the Gregorian calendar. Some people didn't agree with the change of the new year to January 1 (it had always been April 1), so legend has it that they were hit on the head with smelly fish. Today, school children tape paper fish on their friends' backs as pranks.