Friday, May 23rd
Today was a really fun day at Thomas Jefferson because it was International Day for the students. International Day is basically a version of field day for the students, but one that really focuses on celebrating the various cultures from which all of the students come. The majority of students at the school come from Puerto Rico; however, there are students from all over Latin America, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
To start the day, we had a music and dance program in the gym. The younger grades sung a few songs with their classes, the middle school choir performed, and there were Spanish, African, and Nepali dances. The kindergarteners we're getting very restless by the end of the program because it was long, but they handled it really well and the program itself was great. After the program, we had art time. I made pins for the kids with colored beads that represented the flags of their countries, and when everyone had gotten a pin, I helped at the face painting table and painted hearts and Minions and smiles on kids' faces.
After lunch, we went to the Arabic room first, where the students got to see different Arabic decorations, learn about the Arabic countries, and try Arabic dance. After that, we went to the Nepali room where students watched videos about Nepali culture, food, and dance. Both rooms were very imformative, but I noticed the students were more engaged in the Arabic room because they got to participate more. That really emphasized how important hands on activities are to me. The day ended with a movie and all in all it was a great day.
This sounds like it was right up your alley! I think it is really cool that the school accepts and celebrates all of the students' cultures. I like how they use it not only as a teaching tool but as a way to have fun and respect other cultures. It really solidifies the whole 'melting pot' idea and how everyone is different and that our cultural differences should be not only understood but celebrated.
ReplyDeleteMegan,
ReplyDeletePersonally I've never heard of Thomas Jefferson until I read your project blogs and I wanted to sort of thank you for shedding light on this program. I realize I'm relatively ignorant to the lifestyle of those who've recently immigrated to the U.S, but it seems to me that transition schools like these are not too common/endorsed. I really think it's an amazing program though and extremely necessary, because as you said before, the children's english can improve greatly in a short period of time with proper and adamant teaching. I also really like how the school focuses on celebrating the cultures that each student comes from, and I can't help but think about how open-minded these kids must be (which I think is an incredibly valuable quality to have). I'm not sure what the Hawken lower/middle school does, but at my school previous to Hawken, they only celebrated the classic American holidays, a bit of Chinese New Year, and a touch of kwanza during the holidays and frankly I don't think that's enough to teach kids the true meaning of diversity.
I really admire your work with these kids. After listening to the situations ou have to face daily, I'm really impressed. You described a daily struggle that I can not even imagine. Working with students who do not speak English, and often have only arrived in Cleveland weeks before startif school with you.
ReplyDeleteIt's very cool, and you really are making a difference. I hope you continue to help out at the school (I'm assuming it has soe sort of summer program affiliated with it like chagrin falls park does with the regular students who come. During the school year.).