Culture Fest 2011

So sorry I haven't written in a while.  In that past couple weeks I have attended a couple trainings, found out the I am starting Grad school in a week, and with the beautiful Georgia weather it is just really hard to be inside sometimes.  Anyway, here is what went on in our class today, and next week we are going to be starting some planting project.

Today wrapped up the end of our "Earth" discussion, and we celebrated with CULTURE FEST 2011.  I am sure you, like many of my parents, are asking "What in the world is that?".  Well during this theme we discussed different parts of the world, as well as, many different culture.  Every Friday is show-and-tell, and therefore the children brought in show-and-tell items from all over the world.  We had the following items: an African doll, a Mexican flag and water pitcher, chopsticks, Bindi (Indian jewels that the women wear on their forehead), an African drum, German chocolate, and Alaskan bear, and one of my students brought in pictures of his parents Indian wedding.  Now, I know that this probably would have been interesting and exciting enough, however, we also gave the students the option of bringing in a food dish from another culture.
Here is a list of the food we had:

Roti and curried green beans


Sushi and Korean popcorn


Asian Ginger rolls

Mexican cookies and pastries

A Mexican hibiscus drink


Nachos and Cheese

Jalebi (Indian sweet fried dough)


and Pigs in a blanket


Overall, this day was a lot of fun, and I believe the children got a lot out of it.  I was impressed with how much they were actually willing to try as my students are pretty picky eaters.  However, I thin there were too many sweet because they were a little wound up afterwards.  It was a good thing it was about 80 degrees today so we could go outside and burn of that energy.

I am also really impressed with the parents in my classroom as they were great sports in bringing in food.  I know I have several parents telling me their kids were bugging them everyday for two weeks about bringing something in, and know it isn't always easy to shop pr cook during the week.  I really have some great family involvement, and that is so beneficial not just to me but also to the students.

Favorites of the day determined by a students vote: Mexican cookies, and Korean popcorn!