Our trip around the world started in North and South America. The four countries represented were Canada, United States, Mexico and Brazil. In Geography the children made North American Booklets where the three main countries were labeled and color coded. At line time we learned the Star Spangled Banner and in Art we made U.S flags out of construction paper strips. The children discovered Canada Day is a special holiday in which Canadians celebrate their independence. On this day the children like to wear medallions with the maple flag on them. The students learned the importance of the maple leaf in Canada and made glittery modelings of their own.  We discussed the importance of dance in Mexican culture and the students watched and practiced a Mexican hat dance! Next we spoke about animals that are native to South America. In Geography the students colored, cut and pasted pictures of animals onto a map of South America. We also had a special guest come to speak to us about Costa Rica! Brooke Turney (Miles mom) brought a beautiful scrapbook of photographs of her time spent in the country while she was an exchange student.
    
The next stop was Europe. The countries represented were Spain, Hungary, Norway, Netherlands, Slovenia, Germany, and Ireland. Our first discussion was about the festivities that take place every year in Spain during the running of the Bulls. We read the beloved story of Fernando the Bull and the students made paper bag bulls of their own. Our next topic was the fjords of Norway. We learned how Norway is surrounded by mountains, glaciers and fjords and we enjoyed many pictures of these together. Next the students discovered how the Rubik's Cube was invented by a Hungarian man and we explained this fun and challenging concept to the children. A Rubik's Cube was brought in for the students to observe and use. Music, dance and folktales are all important elements of culture in Slovenia. The students listened to some Slovenian folk music and danced. The children were delighted to learn that there are over 150 castles still standing in Germany today. After seeing some pictures of the castles the students were asked to sketch a castle of their own and name it. Next we learned how a long time ago in the Netherlands, windmills were used to drain water from the soil. Many of these old fashioned wind mills still remain standing today and have become the country's trademark. In Art the children created windmills from cardboard tubes. Lastly Nikki Custy (Sean's mom) came in to talk to us about Ireland. Having family from Ireland, she has traveled to the country herself! Nikki presented lovely photos and read the children an Irish fairytale. She brought in some sports gear, currency and of course her fiddle!
    
Asia came next. The four countries represented were China, South Korea, Japan and Kuwait. We discussed how China is one of the oldest ongoing civilizations in the world. The students discovered how many inventions came from China! Tea is a very important part of Chinese culture, was invented when a tea leaf fell into an emperor's boiling pot of water. The students observed how to make tea and enjoyed tea time with Chinese music and their fellow classmates. In Kuwait the national animal is the camel. After learning some interesting facts about this animal the students cut out an outline of a camel and pasted it on a desert like background. "Taiko Drumming" is a drumming style originating in Japan. The drums are usually large in size and their players are very animated in drumstick techniques. The children enjoyed watching a video of a Taiko team perform. Students also learned other important Japanese symbols such as cherry blossoms, hand fans, Mt. Fuji, noh masks and torii. In Language we learned what each represents and put together a symbols booklet. Taekwondo is South Korea's national sport. In South Korea you will find a Taekwondo school in nearly every town. The children had fun practicing some entry level kicking exercises. Also we enjoyed two special visits!  Ms. Ying (Chas' grandmother) came in to talk about China. She taught us how to say hello and goodbye in Chinese. She also shared many wonderful photographs and answered many questions about the Great Wall of China! Kelly Evans (Slater's mom) came in to talk about India. She wore a stunning traditional Indian dress and taught the children beautiful Indian dancing!
    
Our final destinations were Australia and Africa. The countries represented were Australia, Madagascar and Zambia.  First we discussed some of Australia's unique animal life. The kangaroo is an Australian symbol and is a highly regarded animal. The students learned a female kangaroo is called a doe, a male is called a buck and a baby is called a joey.  In Art the students created Dixie cup kangaroos. The Dixie cup was the pouch of course! Next we located Madagascar and learned how it detached from Africa, floated off and became it's own island! The students learned it is the largest vanilla producer in the world! We smelled some vanilla and talked about some foods which contain this flavor.  Lastly we introduced Zambia. Between the country of Zambia and Zimbabwe lies Victoria Falls one of the tallest and most highly acclaimed water falls in the world. This makes Victoria Falls the main tourist attraction in Zambia.

Thank you so much to all of our special guests and speakers. It was very kind of you to take the time to visit and share your countries with us! Thank you parents for making our International Festival another successful event! It is such a joy to see our students dressed in their unique outfits that you have helped create and put together. Thank you for preparing such wonderful food and celebrating the world's cultures with us! The children worked very hard to perform for you and their is no doubt their pride shined through in their smiles!  

 

   

-Mrs. Cooper