April 1 in Paris

Why

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.

Steps

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!

Safety Guidelines

Adult supervision is required for any arts & crafts project. Observe children closely and intervene as necessary to prevent potential safety problems and ensure appropriate use of arts and crafts materials. Some craft items, particularly beads and buttons, are potential choking hazards for young children. Avoid use of such small parts with children younger than 3 years. Craft items such as scissors, push pins and chenille sticks may have sharp points or edges. Avoid use of materials with sharp points by children younger than 4 years. Read all manufacturers' safety warnings before using arts and craft supplies.

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.

Related Crafts

Crafts

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Supplies

crayola supplies
  • Erasable Colored Pencils
  • Markers
  • Glitter Glue
  • Blunt-Tip Scissors
  • Construction Paper

Where & When

"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.


Interesting Info

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.