On the road to knowledge with music for 3 to 6 year olds!

Today, we are going on a journey to discover children's shelters during wartime.

Pictures of our little adventurers in action - can you come and play with them?

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This first melody will take you on a musical discovery of the world!

🎤 Move, sing, discover!

Let's get adventurous with this second soundtrack. 😀

🎙 Read the lyrics to our music:

The lyrics of the two songs are identical, only the melodies are different.

The adventure begins with a story and discoveries for 6 - 8 year olds!

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📝 Quick summary of key information

What is a shelter for children in times of war?

A shelter is a safe place where children can hide and be protected during wars. It's like a secret hiding spot where they can play and sleep without worry.

The children needed shelters to protect themselves from the dangers of war, like bombs and fighting. The shelters were often in the countryside, far from the cities.

Some brave families took in and hid children to protect them during the German Occupation. These families risked their lives to help the children.

They had to be quiet and careful to avoid the children being found and put in danger. The children often had to play silently and not go outside.

The Oak Farm, a Refuge

What is a refuge for children in times of war?

Welcome to the Oak Farm

One night in 1942, Sarah and Paul leave Paris with their mom. They leave behind their striped cat, Mimi, and their favorite toys. The train departs in the night, and Sarah holds her small wooden suitcase tightly, trying to hold back her tears. Their mom explains that dad has been arrested‎ (1) and they must hide to be safe. They don't know where they are going, but they know they must leave quickly. After traveling all night, they arrive in a peaceful‎ (2) village, far from the city noises. Their mom takes them to the Oak Farm, where a kind lady is waiting for them.

Madame Jean, with a warm smile, says:
« Welcome to the Oak Farm. »

Sarah, looking at Madame Jean with a shy smile, says:
« Thank you, Madame Jean, the kind old lady who lives at the Oak Farm. »

Paul, after looking around, asks:
« Where is our room? »

Madame Jean, with a reassuring smile, says:
« Follow me. I will show you. »

The barn, the chickens, the fields… everything is new for the children. But a neatly made little bed tells them that they are expected here. Madame Jean takes them to their room, where they find fresh sheets and cozy‎ (3) blankets. The children are amazed by every detail of the farm. Madame Jean then shows them the different animals and explains their roles. She talks about the carrier pigeons, used to send secret messages, and shows them the stars in the sky, telling stories about the constellations‎ (4). The children listen carefully, their eyes shining with curiosity. Madame Jean also teaches them to recognize the different plants and their uses, as well as the flowers that attract bees and the trees that shelter birds.

Paul, with his oversized cap, draws what he understands, while Sarah asks questions about every detail. They find out that the farm is a shelter, a place where they can be safe. Soon after, they hear a strange noise. They run to the window to see what is happening.

Life on the Farm

Sarah looks out the window. She sees Joseph the Postman arriving on his red bike. He carries his bag full of letters and messages. Sarah runs to the door to greet him. Paul, on the other hand, stays back, watching the scene with curiosity.

Sarah, with a big smile, asks:
« Hello Joseph the Postman. Do you have news for us? »

Joseph the Postman, with a reassuring smile, then says: « Hello Sarah. Yes, I have important news. The Allies‎ (5) are moving towards Paris. Sarah, a 9-year-old girl who is smart and brave, with curly black hair, wearing a polka-dot dress and carrying a small wooden suitcase, listens carefully. »

Paul, eyes shining with hope, asks:
« Is it true? Will the war end soon? »

Joseph the Postman, after thinking for a moment, said:
« Yes, Paul. But we must still be careful. There are still dangers. There are still many German soldiers. »

Sarah and Paul listen carefully. They know that the war is always present. They must stay alert. Joseph the Postman shows them a map of the area. He speaks softly and explains the movements of the soldiers and the resistance fighters. He sometimes hides secret messages from the Resistance. Days pass, and Sarah and Paul discover that sometimes, German soldiers can come to the farm. Madame Jean teaches them to hide in the pantry, a small dark room under the kitchen, where they can hear the gentle cooing of the carrier pigeons. They also discover that nature can be a precious ally for hiding and moving safely. They learn to recognize the sounds of the forest and to distinguish the songs of the birds. They spend hours observing butterflies and learning how their bright colors help them camouflage and attract mates. Paul draws the butterflies with precise details, while Sarah observes and listens carefully. They discover that nature is a fascinating world full of surprises. But they also know that the war is always present and that they must stay alert. One day, Joseph the Postman, a man with a thin mustache, always with his bag and red bike, brings them exciting news: the Allies have landed in Normandy‎ (6). The end of the war seems finally near. Sarah and Paul feel renewed hope. They know that the road is still long, but they are ready to face the challenges ahead. They continue to help Madame Jean on the farm, to observe nature, and to learn new things every day. They know that the war will end one day, and they will finally be able to find their dad again. In the meantime, they find comfort in the solidarity and courage of those around them. And who knows what other adventures await them at the Oak Farm?

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