Pride in Heritage

My students have an advantage over most of the rest of us. They know where they are from, and they possess pride in their heritage. They know who they are, and have an idea of expectation, based on that knowledge. For those of us who were born here, or are from a long line of Something-Americans, we do not often think about the traditions of our ethnic heritage.

This is one of the reasons why I enjoy facilitating Multicultural Club. It gives students a chance to understand what heritage is, and the traditions of backgrounds other than their own. Up to this time, we have explored mainly foods, music, and folktales. Food has been the most popular!

So far, though, I have discovered that most of the African-American students in Multicultural Club do not appear to have a sense of history regarding their actual ancestry. Grandparents are from Georgia, or South Carolina. There has been no oral history, no something passed down prior to that. I fully acknowledge the terrible sins associated with slavery. This is not about that, but the proud traditions connected to clans, bands, tribes, brotherhoods, and other filial associations of blood relatives. The students do not know what country of Africa holds the key to their personal beauty or ancestry. Some students have knowledge of a mix with Native American or other ethnicity. That being established, the next two themes for Multicultural Club will be Native American and African. These themes are so broad, I am aware that I will not be able to explore a tenth of what the students deserve, but awareness of similarities and differences, based on region is a place to start. I welcome any parental input and assistance!

On the other hand, my Beginning-level students are steeped in their own culture and tradition, and only now are learning their new culture. My 5th grade students just asked me about the first Thanksgiving. I'm happy that my simplified version aligned with what one of their fathers told them! The project assignment (due Monday, 12/1) involves doing a little research (we did that in the school library, and in class) and assembling a poster project about their birth country. All the instructions and goals went home last Monday, with the point values for each of the required elements. It's so important for all children to know their heritage is valued, and to have a sense of joy in their history!

New Opportunities!

One thing I believe in wholeheartedly--we all have a purpose in life, and ultimately it involves doing something that serves others. It may be through work, our words, or just "being nice". Today, at a teachers' meeting, I learned of a new way to "be nice" and help those who need it.


When you finish reading this, go to http://www.freerice.com/. This website is sponsored by the United Nations, and they provide rice to people in Third World countries whenever you correctly answer a multiple choice question, 20 grains per answer. Not much, you might think, but it mounts up as you have fun answering questions, which get a bit harder as you go. You can clink on the link on the site, to see one location where many hundreds of pounds of rice have saved adults and children from starvation.


There are several subjects and languages to choose from. I was able to test a little of my Spanish vocabulary, as well as achieving Level 41 in English vocabulary. Wow, there are a LOT of words I didn't know! There are 60 levels, so I have a long way to go to complete this area! You can do Math questions, too.


I know you are encouraged to do Study Island to help improve your skills in Reading and Math. I'm asking that you also spend a little time regularly to help other children and their families. To boost your efforts, I plan to establish a "Free Rice" Word Wall, possibly right outside the classroom. Whenever you reach any level, please print out or handwrite the 2 hardest words (or Math problem) you just learned. Include the word and its meaning, along with your name. All the information will go on this Word Wall! Let's see how many words and how many people you could help!

Notoriety may be fleeting, and the rewards are intrinsic, but being nice feels good, too!

PS-Look up the words you don't know! ;-)

Making History!

My goal this week is to engage the students, especially 7th and 8th grades, in the immense significance of Barack Obama's election to the Presidency of the United States. This would have been an impossible dream only 40 years ago. Just in my lifetime, America has moved from Jim Crow laws, forced school busing, and segregation to having an African-American man elected to the government's highest office. WOW!
In light of this, the following project has been assigned. It is due next Wednesday, Nov. 12. The grade will depend on the quality of the finished work.
Here are the guidelines:
(the sample layouts will be presented in class, I don't know how to add them to this!

FOR 7TH-8TH GRADE ESOL STUDENTS-
Making History! Poster project
ESOL developing/expanding level

Objective- Students will compile news articles to capture and appreciate the historical significance of Barack Obama’s election!

Materials -

At least 2 English language newspapers
2 banner headlines
1 foreign language newspaper or magazine
4-6 pictures
4 news articles (minimum)
Optional- Internet commentary from other world leaders
Large poster board or tri-fold

“Editorial” comments-
In their own words, student will describe what the historical importance of this election means to them, the country, and the global community. Writing should reflect an understanding of the articles included with the project. Editorial should be centered on the board. Articles and pictures must be neatly cut and glued to the board.

The editorial must be in ink, preferably typed and SPELL-CHECKED.


Sample project layout-

Grading will be based on completion of all elements required, writing, and neatness.

Beginning-level

1 English-language newspaper, with banner headline
1 foreign-language newspaper or magazine, with headline

Students will select 1 article from each paper, with pictures.
Poster board

Editorial- Student will write about why Obama’s election is important to them as a newcomer to America. Basic understanding of the news articles should be reflected in the editorial.

Headlines, articles, and pictures will be neatly cut out and glued to the poster board or tri-fold. Student editorial should be typed, or in ink, and centered on the board.

Sample project layout

PLEASE contact me by phone or 'comment' with any questions or concerns!