Every year we celebrate International Day. This special event is a time for us all to come together to share a little of our own cultural backgrounds with other members of the community, as well as the chance for us to learn lots of exciting and interesting things about the world!
It is a whole family community event and a favourite amongst the students. This year I was taking care of the Americas. The students were directly involved with setting up a display for the Americas. They painted flags, made posters and recited sayings of Sa'ad and Dr. Martin Luther King Junior.
One of our students read the introduction:
An International Day is an excellent way for students and parents to learn about our continent! We are celebrating the Americas! In the Americas, we aim to create a spirit of unity between the different countries at the same time not forgetting about our origin. This year, the Theme of our 2011 International Day is PEACE. Peace in the Americas, Peace in Asia, Peace in Africa, Peace in the Middle East, Peace in Europe, Peace in our heart. Thank you (now listen to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr! Listen to his Peace Message)
Then, the students presented a Capoeira show (Brasil)) followed by a rap song.
They also read to the audience the following texts:
"Human beings are members of a whole in creation of one essence and soul. If one member is afflicted with pain other members uneasy will remain." (I know!!! it is one of my favourite!!)
Then, they read...
"The ultimate weakness of violence is that it is a descending spiral, begetting the very thing it seeks to destroy. Instead of diminishing evil, it multiplies it. Through violence you may murder the liar, but you cannot murder the lie, nor establish the truth. Through violence you murder the hater, but you do not murder hate. In fact, violence merely increases hate.... Returning violence for violence multiples violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. "
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
We had set up a table in the classroom and we have displayed all kinf of food from the Americas (brownies, cupcakes, pancakes, cookies, popcorn,...) and of course I did not have the chance to taste the food because I was serving the drinks (iced tea and cool-aids!!!)
Most of the students and parents did not even look at our beautiful objects and posters!! They were too busy eating!! My students had many beautiful objects and posters for the students to enjoy looking at and from which to learn.
But!!!!! as I told you they were too busy eating!! and asking
"Do you have plates?"
"NO"
"Oh, then how am I supposed to hold a cupcake, and a pancake, and a brownie, and some popcorn!!! all in one hand??"
"Well, pick up just one item, my dear then!!!"
Oh MY!! I would suggest an International Day WITHOUT FOOD!!!! for next year!
2 comments:
Hi Fatima, we had a similar situation in my previous school in Denmark. For UN day we used to do activities designed to encourage our students to understand very important issues throughout the world and then we uesd to finish off with overeating each others food. It just didn't feel right. We decided have UN day for serious issues and then keep International Day light and about enjoying the fun aspects of each other's cultures, food, dance, music etc.
Just an idea:)
Great blog by the way. Always good to have a friend who keeps an eye on the issues of the day:)
Thank you for sharing these wonderful ideas with me Sarah!! I am going to suggest them to the headteacher next meeting. But I need to convince all the teachers and it is not going to be easy!!!
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