דף הבית \(\blacktriangleleft\)  היחידה לילדים ונוער \(\blacktriangleleft\) אתר חיצי”ם \(\blacktriangleleft\) סמלים בתרבות צרפת \(\blacktriangleleft\) פעילות 2: שער הניצחון

Activity 2: The Arc de Triomphe

In the center of Paris stands the magnificent Arc de Triomphe, which serves as a symbol of national pride.
This activity will expose you to the historical story behind its construction, and the importance of the arch to the French people.
We will talk about the meaning of victory and the emotions it evokes.

The Activity

שער הניצחון

The arch is very large and is located at the end of an avenue called the Champs-Élysées.
The arch can be accessed via an underground tunnel, ascending into it through one leg of the arch and descending through the other leg.

  • Ask the children, why do they think it was important for the people of France to build an arch that symbolizes victory?
    (The construction of the arch was commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte after his victory in battle).
    \(\space\)
  • Talk with them about the concept of victory and ask them: when did they feel they won and what is the importance of victory to them.
  • On the walls of the real Arc de Triomphe, the names of heroes and drawings of important moments are engraved.
    Take a piece of paper and draw your own large arch (you can also build it out of blocks or cardboard boxes).
    \(\space\)
  • Inside the arch, write or draw your personal victories or those of the family (for example: I learned to ride a bike, I succeeded on a difficult test, I helped a friend).
    \(\space\)
  • The arch is located in the center of a giant square from which 12 straight streets radiate in all directions, just like rays of a sun!
    If you look at the arch from above, what do you think it looks like?
    Try to draw a square in the center of the page (the arch) and from it draw 12 lines that go outward like a sun of streets.
    \(\space\)
  • Beneath the Arc de Triomphe is an “eternal flame” that has been burning for more than a hundred years and never goes out, in memory of the soldiers.
    Try to stand like the soldiers who guard the arch: stand straight as a ruler, without moving and without laughing for a whole minute. Who manages to hold out the longest?