Middle school students from Combourg engage in dialogue with the Breton writer Jean-Pierre Cannet

The ninth-grade students at Combourg Middle School had the unique opportunity to meet and talk with Breton writer Jean-Pierre Cannet at their town’s library. This literary exchange, centered around his play *La petite Danube* (The Little Danube), was part of an ambitious educational project aimed at enriching students’ experience with Breton literature. Through writing workshops and lively discussions, the students immersed themselves in the world of a socially engaged writer, fostering their creativity and passion for reading and writing. Organized by teachers Sophie Mouraud and Virginie Chesnin, this meeting shed light on Jean-Pierre Cannet’s creative process and revealed how his works revolve around major historical and social themes. Through these discussions, the students were able to ask questions, share their thoughts, and discover the impact literature can have on their perception of the world. Direct interaction with an author like Cannet sparked vocations in some young people, inspiring a new generation of readers and aspiring writers. A meeting rich in literary discussions

January 23, 2025, marked a memorable date for the middle school students of Combourg, who had the opportunity to meet Jean-Pierre Cannet. This Breton writer discussed his seminal work, *The Little Danube*, a moving play that addresses the challenges faced by children during World War II. This encounter created a space conducive to reflection and engagement, where the students felt more connected to their literary heritage.

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Discover the enriching exchanges between the students of the Combourg middle school and the Breton writer Jean-Pierre Cannet, a unique moment of sharing around Breton literature and culture.

Exploring *The Little Danube**The Little Danube*

The play tells the story of Anna, a young girl living in the Carpathian Mountains during a tumultuous historical period. Recommended by the French Ministry of Education, this work serves as the basis for an interdisciplinary project at the Combourg middle school. The teachers wanted the students to engage with the story in an innovative way, allowing them not only to discover the play but also to reflect on its historical and personal implications. One day, Anna finds a striped pajama jacket in her garden, a symbol of a world collapsing around her. This moment sparks numerous reflections among the students on the themes of innocence, loss, and resilience. The students had the opportunity to share their impressions on how these themes resonated with their own experiences, enriching the discussion. By engaging in literary exchanges with Cannet, the students were able to acquire essential communication and analytical skills, learning to articulate their thoughts and emotions when faced with complex issues. During this writing workshop, they also discussed the writing elements that make this work unique, encouraging each participant to find their own voice.

An innovative educational project

https://www.tiktok.com/@/video/6826492572551220485?u_code=d73jdb031g54mb&language=en&app=musically&user_id=6709544886045541382&tt_from=more The interdisciplinary project implemented by the Combourg middle school goes beyond simply meeting an author. It integrates different aspects of learning, combining history, geography, and literature, to offer students a multidimensional learning experience. These literary exchanges allow for an enriching discovery of Breton culture through an innovative approach.

Organization and implementation

It was thanks to the initiative of the teachers that this meeting was possible. Sophie Mouraud, a history and geography teacher, and Virginie Chesnin, a French teacher, worked together to develop an educational project that combines the performing arts with academic knowledge. This project also involved the theater company

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, which guided the students in the vocal performance and staging of the play.

Discover how students from the Combourg middle school had the unique opportunity to interact with the Breton writer Jean-Pierre Cannet, enriching their literary and cultural experience through an inspiring dialogue. The goal of this collaboration was to create a radio drama inspired by

The Little Danube

. The students were given various roles, ranging from directing to creating sound effects and music. This creative process allowed them to discover the inner workings of the theater and become familiar with writing and sound production practices. This fun and creative project aims to stimulate students’ interest in children’s literature while boosting their confidence in their artistic abilities. By involving students in collaborative work, the teachers fostered a group dynamic that developed a critical and collaborative mindset, essential for the future.

The effects of meeting an author https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtS4qBiiKfsThe meeting with Jean-Pierre Cannet had a considerable impact on the students’ perception of literature. From a simple school project to a genuine source of inspiration, the students realized that the books they read have real authors, who are often just as passionate as they are about the stories they tell. Exchanges with a Breton writer like Cannet can spark literary vocations, encouraging some students to write and explore their creativity.

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Student Reactions

The students reacted very positively to this meeting. Latoya, 15, shared her enthusiasm, saying: “Meeting the author helped me better understand what is important in history. His play and our conversation give me ideas for my own fiction.” This kind of feedback highlights not only the direct impact of a writer’s presence, but also the open-mindedness it fosters in these young people. Through these exchanges, the students not only connected with Cannet’s work but also discovered skills they didn’t know they possessed.

Jean-Pierre Cannet, for his part, expressed his gratitude for these shared moments: “It’s always interesting to listen to your readership, to know what people thought. The work of a writer is solitary; by coming here, I break out of that bubble of solitude to meet these students. I consider these exchanges a gift from life.” This statement reveals the importance Cannet places on these interactions, which allow him to enrich his work by incorporating diverse and valuable feedback.

The prospects offered by this project

Through this encounter, the Combourg middle school demonstrates the importance of student engagement in literary projects. The experiences of writing and theatrical performance open the door to numerous artistic and intellectual perspectives for these young people. The literary exchanges they had with Jean-Pierre Cannet provide a unique framework for developing their understanding of Breton literature and exploring its contemporary relevance.

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Fostering Critical Thinking

Literary projects like this one allow students to learn valuable skills such as critical analysis, creativity, and teamwork. By confronting their emotions and their own creativity, students are encouraged to think critically through artistic expression. This approach allows them to become not only discerning readers but also engaged citizens, capable of analyzing the world around them.

Through this innovative approach, the Combourg middle school demonstrates a strong commitment to contemporary literary practices and cultural education. Encouraging students to participate in literary exchanges, to undertake writing projects, and to meet authors helps build a society where literature plays a central role in the education and development of new generations.

This type of event should not remain isolated; other schools could draw inspiration from it to create environments where young people engage with their favorite authors. This represents a real leap forward for children’s literature within schools, strengthening its connection with Breton culture and other artistic expressions.

Students Activity Author Reactions

9th Grade	Writing Workshop	Jean-Pierre Cannet	“This inspires my own writing.”
9th Grade	Radio Drama	Jean-Pierre Cannet	“It’s extraordinary to talk with a real writer.”
9th Grade	Literary Exchanges	Jean-Pierre Cannet	“I learned a lot about writing and themes.”
These literary exchanges, enriched by Jean-Pierre Cannet’s experience and passion, demonstrate that literature has the power to transform lives and bring people together. Thanks to initiatives like these, future writers and passionate readers can emerge, paving the way for a vibrant and dynamic Breton culture.