The K-Kids continued to travel around the world during the second half of the week! They put on their sunscreen and went to Uganda. While there, they learned about the geographical layout of the country, the Nile River, the game parks, how to say a few words, and the culture of the people. Anisa's mother created a wonderful visual for the K-Kids to see the flag, pictures of animals, and even pictures of Anisa in Uganda when she was a baby. She brought in props including bracelets, dolls, and Anisa's passport. The K-Kids also loved watching the video of a traditional dance and trying out the dance after they ate a flat bread, chicken, and yummy yogurt sauce.
Max's mom came next and brought us to Russia. She taught us how to say some Russian words and showed us that Russia is the largest country in the world! The K-Kids had to repeat Russian words to wake up a special friend - a brown bear which is a very typical bear of Russia. They also learned that soccer is the most popular sport, tasted a traditional Russian candy, and played a traditional Russian game. Max's mom read us a story about Matryoshka dolls and showed us her own nesting dolls. The K-Kids then worked very hard to decorate their own nesting dolls. They were so excited with their finished products!
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| Playing the game |
We finished our week by traveling to India. Anoushka's mother shared a map showing the different states and regions of India and described how the states are different in terms of language, customs, food, dance, etc. She created wonderful visuals showing the different spices in all the regions, dances, temples, forts, and dress. The K-Kids loved seeing the pictures of Anoushka participating in traditional dances as well! Anoushka's mother brought in a beautiful doll, Indian jewelry, and examples of handiwork done in the villages. Then the K-Kids were in for a treat as they tried an Indian sweet and had a small henna design painted on their hands. The K-Kids loooooved the henna (as I did, too), the holi colors on their faces, and their bindi dots.
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| The K-Kids each chose a small design...I loved the henna so much that Anoushka's mother did my entire left hand! |
We are so lucky to have a unique and diverse community at Roycemore School, and I love taking advantage of the cultures and ideas we have right here in our own classroom! The K-Kids are being exposed to different ideas and ways of living and are learning tolerance and respect for those differences. It can be tricky when you are five and six-years-old to not laugh when you see something "different" - hairstyles, clothing, dances, food, etc. But, I am trying to teach them that those differences are not considered funny or "gross" but more unique and special for those people who live in those places or who live here and are from those different places! It is a hard concept and natural for children to be nervous, laugh, or want to talk about differences, and I hope to provide a safe community where our students can be proud and learn to respect and value everyone. I really, really, really appreciate the many parents' efforts and time to come in and speak about their own cultures or places they have visited, and you all have helped expand our little ones' sense of the world!
To go hand-in-hand with our unit, the YWCA of Evanston arranged a "Stand Against Racism" along Ridge Avenue on Friday. The Evanston community stood with linked arms to show their unity against racism. The early childhood department was lucky enough to have many Upper School volunteers to help keep us safe and be a part of this great Evanston moment!
The K-Kids continued to travel around the world during the second half of the week! They put on their sunscreen and went to Uganda. While there, they learned about the geographical layout of the country, the Nile River, the game parks, how to say a few words, and the culture of the people. Anisa's mother created a wonderful visual for the K-Kids to see the flag, pictures of animals, and even pictures of Anisa in Uganda when she was a baby. She brought in props including bracelets, dolls, and Anisa's passport. The K-Kids also loved watching the video of a traditional dance and trying out the dance after they ate a flat bread, chicken, and yummy yogurt sauce.
Max's mom came next and brought us to Russia. She taught us how to say some Russian words and showed us that Russia is the largest country in the world! The K-Kids had to repeat Russian words to wake up a special friend - a brown bear which is a very typical bear of Russia. They also learned that soccer is the most popular sport, tasted a traditional Russian candy, and played a traditional Russian game. Max's mom read us a story about Matryoshka dolls and showed us her own nesting dolls. The K-Kids then worked very hard to decorate their own nesting dolls. They were so excited with their finished products!
To go hand-in-hand with our unit, the YWCA of Evanston arranged a "Stand Against Racism" along Ridge Avenue on Friday. The Evanston community stood with linked arms to show their unity against racism. The early childhood department was lucky enough to have many Upper School volunteers to help keep us safe and be a part of this great Evanston moment!
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