1st, 2nd Grades  Project 8 weeks

Festival Fiesta: Cultures Around the Globe!

delaney c
DA:Cn11.1.1.a
Effective Communication
Content Expertise
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Purpose

The purpose of this learning experience is to immerse students in the rich tapestry of global festivals, fostering an appreciation for diverse cultures through hands-on exploration and creative expression. By engaging with various cultural traditions, students will develop effective communication skills and deepen their understanding of community and cultural values. This project encourages students to apply their learning in meaningful ways, culminating in a vibrant celebration that showcases their newfound knowledge and creativity to the school community.

Learning goals

Students will explore and appreciate global cultures by examining the unique traditions and common elements of festivals around the world. They will develop communication skills through storytelling, presentations, and collaborative projects, fostering empathy and understanding. By engaging in hands-on activities such as creating art, cooking traditional dishes, and performing dances, students will deepen their content knowledge and apply it in meaningful ways.
Standards
  • [National Core Arts Standards] DA:Cn11.1.1.a - Watch and/or perform a dance from a different culture and discuss or demonstrate the types of movement danced.
Competencies
  • Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.
  • Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.

Products

Students will create interactive storytelling sessions, bringing traditional festival tales to life using costumes and props. They will design and maintain a 'Festival Garden' featuring plants from various cultural celebrations. A collaborative 'Festival Quilt' will be crafted, with each student contributing a square that symbolizes a festival they studied. Additionally, students will compile a 'Festival Cookbook' with recipes from different cultures, preparing and sharing dishes during the Global Festival Fair. Finally, a 'Festival Music and Dance Showcase' will allow students to perform traditional songs and dances, inviting the school community to experience diverse cultural expressions.

Launch

To kick off the learning experience, organize a vibrant 'Festival Parade' where students dress in traditional costumes from various countries. As they march around the school, they can perform short cultural dances or songs, engaging the community in a lively celebration of diversity. This event sets an exciting tone for the project, sparking curiosity and enthusiasm for exploring global festivals.

Exhibition

Host a 'Global Festival Fair' where each student group sets up a booth representing a different country's festival, complete with traditional costumes, music, and crafts, inviting parents and the school community to explore and learn. The fair will include interactive storytelling sessions, a festival music and dance showcase, and a tasting area featuring dishes from the 'Festival Cookbook.' The event will also feature a display of the 'Festival Quilt' and 'Festival Garden,' allowing visitors to appreciate the cultural symbols and natural beauty associated with each festival.