Thinking Allowed: Are French children more cultured?

There is a stereotype about French people whereby they feel that they are more cultured than citizens of other countries. Who's to say what culture is anyhow, so who's to stay if the stereotype holds any truth? Nonetheless, if it holds any grain of truth, I imagine it is because of French upbringing. We have had years of experience with the French education system. Although it has its rigidity and downfalls, it also has a strong focus on arts, culture, music, poetry, philosophy, analytical thinking and expressing thoughts. The curriculum is standardised throughout the country, so that all children are learning the same poems and are being exposed to the same artists - by law. Children also learn about culinary arts at school - both directly in the curriculum and through the meals provided to them.

My experience with French children is indeed that they are very articulate and quick to express their thoughts. For example, Tova spent a good 45 minutes in a skate park with a six year old boy who took on the role of coach. That young lad talked about techniques, he talked about fear, he talked about strengths, he encouraged, he cajoled, and he included Tova in his running commentary despite receiving not a single response. Evidence of my point - not really - but a cute story.

I have found that many cultural sites in and around Avignon, if they are not already free for everyone, are free for anyone under the age of 18. This has meant that we actually have been going to cultural places! Let's face it - kids don't naturally want to go on a binge of museums and monuments, making it even less appealing to pay for their entry. Granting children free admission means that parents can drag their children along and not feel like they are paying to hear complaining. Many of the sites also have engaging children's programs or hunts so that parents can actually read some informational signs. My children have been more cultured for their easy access to these sites. We spent a day in Arles going to a modern art museum, two skateparks, a coliseum, an ancient cemetery with a modern art exhibit, an ancient underground passageway, a stroll along the Rhone, and a visit to a more traditional art museum. We have gone ice skating, had picnics, drawn reproductions in museums, visited old castles, written poems of endearment to cheese, painted using apples, been to handfuls of markets, shopped for antiques, explored the former home of the pope, attended gymnastics classes, seen photography exhibits, eaten more cheese, gone to churches and monasteries - to name a few. My children are definitely looking more cultured than a week ago. We like it here.