Developing an understanding and respect for the uniqueness of each of our classmates in first grade is a strand that runs through every area of our curriculum throughout the course of the year. Through shared stories, activities and problem solving the students get to know each other on a deeper level.
In Lower School this year we are also highlighting the diversity in all of our families and the importance of family in our students’ lives. First grade was honored today to have one of our classmate’s grandmother join us to share a very special holiday tradition from India, Diwali, the Festival of Lights, and other experiences that she had growing up there. We got to see how her name was written in her national language, her local language and in English.
While the students listened, first grade teacher, Susan Arteaga, showed slides from her trip to India last fall where she got to experience Diwali first hand. There was a rich exchange of information as the students asked questions and heard ideas from both Radha and Susan.
To extend our visit, we read a book about Diwali and also created a Venn diagram as we remembered the ways that Diwali was likened to Christmas. The students had several choices of Diwali pictures to color to help them remember this festive tradition.
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| Strings of lights decorating the town |
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| Garlands of marigolds |
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| A beautiful rangoli |
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| Festive decorations for Diwali |
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