When developing the broad concept that your unit of inquiry is centered around and when writing your central idea, one of the criteria was to make sure that it was something that was globally significant. Concepts like change, interdependence and equality matter everywhere throughout the world! Keep these broad concepts in mind as you think about how you will incorporate international mindedness into your unit of inquiry.
The learning occurring in 3rd grade at College View is currently centered around comparisons. The third graders are comparing the culture in the United States with cultures in other countries as they study immigration. The third grade teachers have done a great job of bringing a taste of other cultures into their classrooms.
On Monday, the third graders went to see the Yamato Drummers of Japan. As a follow up to this experience they have scheduled two guest speakers to talk about Japanese culture. The guest speakers will touch on how different areas of the country (rural, urban and suburban) compare to similar areas in the U.S. They will also compare schools in both countries.
They couldn't take pictures during the performance, but man that's a cute kid at the Orpheum!
The third grade classes have also been asking family members to speak about their ancestors, heritage and culture. Maria (a parent of one of the students in Mrs. Aney's 2/3 combo) spoke to all three classes about Mexican culture and even made tortillas with the students!
Maria explaining that corn was thought to have special powers to the Aztec people. It helped them to be strong and work all day.
These third grade examples are just a few of many wonderful things that are happening at College View to promote internationally minded thinking. Please use the comments section below to share how your grade level is incorporating international mindedness into your current unit of inquiry.
In 5th Grade we are learning about the impact immigration can have on different cultural groups. To launch our unit families filled out a questionaire regarding where their families originally immigrated from. We used Google Maps to flag all of the countries our students are from originally. It is interesting to see all the different places around the world and I think it sparks international mindedness in our students when they see the maps.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing Angie!
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