Second graders celebrate New Year's around the world
Jan. 10, 2012—From creating Chinese paper lanterns to playing a traditional Korean board game, second graders at Guilderland Elementary School spent part of the day on Jan. 9 experiencing how cultures around the world celebrate the New Year. Students from all five second-grade classrooms rotated from room to room, working with their teachers to learn about the ways in which people in different countries celebrate the holiday. Students heard stories, played games and completed art activities that were relevant to each country's New Year celebration.
The idea for the special event was conceived by the second-grade teachers as a way to help all of their students learn about different cultures. GES English as a Second Language (ESL) staff helped with the event by providing resources and activity ideas, and also joined the classes throughout the morning to participate in some of the activities.
"Our school has many ESL students," said second grade teacher Pat Favitta, "and the activities presented allowed them to share their cultures and traditions with their classmates."
Cultures most represented within the school's ESL program were highlighted:
• Room 206: India - Students learned about the festival of lights and created decorative flowers
• Room 203: Vietnam - Students decorated bamboo trees for good luck
• Room 703: Korea - Students played a traditional Korean board game, Yut Nori
• Room 705: USA - Students created and decorated paper glasses in the shape of "2012"
• Room 706: China - Students created and decorated paper lanterns
We invite you to view photos from the event!
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