Students at Chapel Hill Middle School recently played a childhood favorite with a French twist.
French teacher Miranda Keeney’s classes played a French version of hopscotch called “Escargot” to celebrate the end of the recent term.
The rules are simple — students hop on one foot to the center and back in a spiral shape reminiscent of a snail shell. As the rounds progress, players claim more and more squares that no one else can step on, creating jumps that are increasingly difficult to make on one foot.
Keeney said she got the idea from a book and is always looking to expose her students to authentic cultural activities.
She said her students were excited to go outside and participate in the game, noting it was a welcome break from the high-stakes testing taking place this time of year.
"I feel very fortunate that I work in a school system that celebrates students participating in hands-on activities like this one,” Keeney said. “Games like these show students that kids who live in other countries play outside just like they do and come up with games that connect people through a little friendly competition."