6 Exciting Read-Alouds for States of Matter

Learning the properties of liquids and solids is hard enough in most children’s first language. Understanding the states of matter in French adds another layer of complexity. However, it’s a necessary part of the Properties of Liquids and Solids unit.

If you’re a little nervous about teaching this unit, don’t worry. I’ve got you covered. I found this a little tricky at the start. The secret is to use several books for read-aloud sessions. Not only does this strengthen the children’s listening abilities, but it’s also a fantastic way to introduce them to the concepts of gases, liquids, and solids.

Here are my six favourite books for learning about the states of matter in French:

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Moi, L’océan: Essentiel à La Vie

While “Moi, l’océan: essentiel à la vie” isn’t strictly a textbook on the properties of liquids and solids, it offers a fascinating look at water, our most familiar liquid. The book explores the ocean’s vital role and delves into Earth’s history, including the theory that our water may have originated from icy comets. This context is perfect for discussing changes of state in your French module on the states of matter.

Use this engaging narrative to demonstrate how water transitions between solid, liquid, and gas, linking these phenomena to the real-world effects of climate change, like glacier melts and ocean level changes.

To reinforce these concepts, encourage students to create a climate action plan or a poster. It’s a fantastic way to explore these ideas in greater depth, testing their understanding.

La Fée Scientifique: Solide, Liquide, Gazeux

Meet “La fée scientifique: solide, liquide, gazeux“, a charming tale that features a fairy unlike any other — she doesn’t believe in magic, only in the power of science! This charming story introduces the scientific method in a fun, accessible way as our fairy questions, hypothesizes, and explores the world around her, unlike her magic-focused peers.

While her fellow fairies are enchanted by magic and play, our science-loving fairy explores the realities of the world, including the mysteries of solids, liquids, and gases. The plot thickens when the fairies find their pond has vanished, turning this into a practical exploration of the states of matter.

Perfect for the first day, “La fée scientifique” not only gets students excited about science but also eases them into the states of matter through a story that’s more about discovery than deep science.

Le Petit Flocon De Neige

Take your students on a delightful adventure with “Le petit flocon de neige,” a story that captures the entire lifecycle of a snowflake with charm and scientific flair. The tale begins in the clouds, where we learn how a snowflake forms from water vapor, offering a glimpse into its intricate creation before it drifts down to Earth.

Once on the ground, our snowflake becomes part of the wintry fun, transforming into snowballs and snowmen. But the journey doesn’t end there—the warmth of the sun eventually turns it back into water, demonstrating the magical transitions between solid, liquid, and gas.

This book is perfect for drawing out the snowflake cycle and discussing the properties of water at each stage. Use it to spark discussions and visually map out how a single snowflake can encapsulate the changes of state, making science both engaging and accessible to your students.

Les Solides, C’est Quoi?

“Les solides, c’est quoi?” may sound like it’s all about solids, but don’t let the title fool you—it’s a comprehensive guide to all three states of matter: solids, liquids, and gases. This informational text is neatly broken into 13 sections, plus additional sections for parents and teachers and one that covers important vocabulary, making it an invaluable resource for any classroom.

The book starts with a kid-friendly overview of what matter is before diving into the specifics of each state—one page dedicated to solids, one to liquids, and one to gases. Each section is followed by hands-on experiments that bring the science to life, allowing students to see the concepts in action. It also covers changes of state and mixing matter, enhancing understanding of these fundamental scientific principles.

While “Les solides, c’est quoi?” is currently out of print, it’s well worth seeking out at your school or public library. This book is an amazing asset for your states of matter unit, providing clear explanations and engaging activities that help students grasp complex ideas in a fun and interactive way.

Benjamin, Au Rythme Du Tonnerre

“Benjamin, au rythme du tonnerre” isn’t your typical science textbook, but it beautifully explores the themes of water and thunder. Written by a Cree author, this book weaves Indigenous culture and language throughout the story, enriching it with a unique cultural perspective.

The story follows Benjamin, a young boy who loves the rain and is captivated by thunder, which he associates with his grandfather’s drum. As the thunder roars, Benjamin imagines himself as a powwow dancer, moving in rhythm with the storm.

This book not only delves into the natural wonder of rain and thunderstorms but also celebrates Cree cultural elements, making it a wonderful addition to discussions about water as a state of matter and the cultural significance that can accompany natural phenomena.

La Science Est Dans Le Sucre: 10 Expériences Faciles Et Étonnantes

“La science est dans le sucre” is not just a book; it’s an interactive experience full of exciting experiments that reveal the surprising capabilities of sugar. This is a hands-on guide, not a read-aloud, designed for you to actively engage with your class in fun scientific activities.

From crafting rock candy to using sugar as glue, these activities not only demonstrate sugar’s diverse properties but also delve into changes of state and solubility. Each experiment comes with clear explanations about the science behind the results, helping students understand the ‘why’ as much as the ‘how.’

If you’re keen to expand beyond sugar, this book is part of a series that also includes experiments with lemons, salt, and more, offering a wealth of engaging, educational content. Perfect for hands-on learning, these experiments make science tangible and exciting, revealing the everyday magic of household substances like sugar.

Want to check out the resources listed?

All the links above lead to TPT, but the resources are also available on our website. Here are the resources available here for purchase in CAD. Don’t forget you can also buy credits for an additional discount (up to $15 off).