One birthday game in French and English

Ask which language helps each child play

Before the party, ask parents which language their child prefers for spoken instructions and whether a grown-up should read them aloud. Understanding a language and reading it are different skills. A short answer is enough; you do not need a school assessment.

Prepare a brief introduction in both languages. Show the materials as you speak and check that everyone understands what they are looking for. If possible, have a grown-up who can explain both versions. Avoid making one guest responsible for translating the entire party.

Keep one shared trail of clues

Give each step the same identifier: clue 1 and indice 1 describe the same action. Use the same illustration, next envelope and answer. Children can read the version that suits them and then share what they notice.

Shape matching, picture sequences and comparisons can lead to the same solution in either language. A French rhyme, a rebus or a word-length puzzle may not work in English. Rewrite those puzzles for each language and check both answers independently.

Print the pages the team will actually use

Separate children's sheets from the grown-up instructions and answers. For one team, start with a single shared set of illustrated cards. Add the English and French instructions you need rather than printing two complete piles that might get mixed up.

Choose the file that matches your paper, US Letter or A4, when both are offered. Print one test page and check the margins, text size and symbols. If a puzzle uses pieces with exact dimensions, follow the creator's scale instructions.

White backgrounds and clear outlines can reduce the amount of ink needed. A greyscale print should not lose a clue that depends on colour: use a shape or pattern as an additional cue. Check the test sheet before printing every copy.

Share out the roles and discoveries

Rotate jobs such as opening an envelope, spotting a detail, moving a token and explaining an idea. Give the children time to show what they understand. When you rephrase an instruction, avoid giving extra information that reveals the answer to only one part of the team.

Before the party, try one clue with the two versions side by side. The labels, order and answer should match. Every Studio Cachette adventure includes English and French editions with matching puzzle order and answers. Choose the sheets your group needs and keep the answer key with the adult.