First- and second-graders at Byron-Bergen Elementary School took the trip of a lifetime on March 17, visiting Germany, Japan, Mexico, and South Africa. The whirlwind tour of these far-flung countries (each destination set up in a different classroom) was part of the school’s first Culture Day celebration.
The young travelers tried on kimonos, learned about sushi, and practiced using chopsticks in Japan. They discovered the music, art, and diverse ethnic groups, including Zulu, Afrikaners, and Xhosa, of South Africa, and then made their own colorful beaded dolls. They learn that poodles, along with Rottweilers and Weimaraners, originated in Germany. The day’s adventure even included an introduction to the Mexican holiday, Day of the Dead, and a chance to make tin foil representations of things the artist is thankful for.
Each country visited was represented by a curated collection of clothing and textiles, arts and crafts, music, and maps. Insights into the cultures came from the tour guides, educators from the Explore and More Children’s Museum. The day was made possible with a grant from the Arts Partners for Learning (APL) which aims to bring arts and cultural programs that are standards-based and integrated throughout the curriculum to regional schools.
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