Global Awareness
The world is is a small place in the 21st Century. Understanding the things that connect us and the things that make us unique is an important part of our classroom.
At five, the abstract aspects of culture and countries can be difficult to grasp. We start by exploring our family, our class, our school community, and the town around us. This learning takes various forms~ getting to know you workshops, 'I am Unique' explorations, school events and classroom collaborations, community member guest speakers and presentations, as well as field trips.
Broadening their exploration of culture we do read-alouds that feature children their age from a variety of cultures. These start great discussions on how we are different and alike, and how our habitat can affect our cultural traditions. We explore our last names, and the origins of our families. We share customs that differ from one family to the next.
Near the end of the year, (as the children begin to be independent writers), we use Skype as a way to connect with another class and establish email pen pals. We also do a 'Trip Around the World" full of imaginary play filled in with a virtual field trip.
We also have a tasting party where families are invited to join us and bring in a family favourite food. We explore the cultural origin of each dish, and learn about our senses.
The children learn early that being different is what makes us special and is worth celebrating. It is an integral part of our classroom community. I want my children to know that God made each of them unique, with wonderful talents and gifts to share with the world.
The World Family
–We sing this song to the tune of “The Wheels on the Bus”.
The name of my school is ___, ___, ___.
The name of my school is ___.
That’s the name of my school.
The name of my city is...
The name of my Province is...
The name of my country is Canada.
The name of my continent is North America.
The name of my planet is Earth.
We’re all part of the world family, family, family.
We’re all part of the world family.
Let’s live in love and peace.
Here is a link to a page with some great multicultural books to explore…
http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/how-choose-best-multicultural-books
At five, the abstract aspects of culture and countries can be difficult to grasp. We start by exploring our family, our class, our school community, and the town around us. This learning takes various forms~ getting to know you workshops, 'I am Unique' explorations, school events and classroom collaborations, community member guest speakers and presentations, as well as field trips.
Broadening their exploration of culture we do read-alouds that feature children their age from a variety of cultures. These start great discussions on how we are different and alike, and how our habitat can affect our cultural traditions. We explore our last names, and the origins of our families. We share customs that differ from one family to the next.
Near the end of the year, (as the children begin to be independent writers), we use Skype as a way to connect with another class and establish email pen pals. We also do a 'Trip Around the World" full of imaginary play filled in with a virtual field trip.
We also have a tasting party where families are invited to join us and bring in a family favourite food. We explore the cultural origin of each dish, and learn about our senses.
The children learn early that being different is what makes us special and is worth celebrating. It is an integral part of our classroom community. I want my children to know that God made each of them unique, with wonderful talents and gifts to share with the world.
The World Family
–We sing this song to the tune of “The Wheels on the Bus”.
The name of my school is ___, ___, ___.
The name of my school is ___.
That’s the name of my school.
The name of my city is...
The name of my Province is...
The name of my country is Canada.
The name of my continent is North America.
The name of my planet is Earth.
We’re all part of the world family, family, family.
We’re all part of the world family.
Let’s live in love and peace.
Here is a link to a page with some great multicultural books to explore…
http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/how-choose-best-multicultural-books