Teacher Notes
The Kenyan Quest, Japanese Quest, and
Mexico Quest are parts of the Cecil County Pubic Schools Second Grade Multi-Cultural
Unit.
Before students embark on the above
quests, they should have had a lesson in which they discovered the definition
for the word, "culture". The definition used for culture in the context
of these quests, includes the aspects food, clothing, schools, shelter,
language, recreation, and traditions.
Students in my class will define
the word culture, and identify specific examples for each aspect from their
own culture. The students will work in small groups, as pairs, or as individuals
using Inspiration
software to create a graphic organizer of their definition of culture
and the specific examples. Next the students will read to perform the task
of creating a slide show using Kid
Pix Studio.Student groups will present their slide shows and practice
their active listening and speaking skills.
The students in my class also participate
in an e-mail program where they have internet buddies from another country
whom they communicate with on a weekly basis. Having these friends from
across the world helps the students to become more excited when learning
about other cultures and expanding their view of the world. The e-mail
program acts as an active engagement hooking the students from the very
beginning of the lesson. Because of their positive e-pal experience, the
students want to meet and learn about other cultures. They also begin to
realize that even though we may not look the same, or speak the same language,
we aren't' so different after all!
After completing the web quests
above, my students will participate in a culture day where they present
the information that they have learned to parents, other classes, and other
school officials. During this time, I turn the role of teacher over to
the students, it is their time to teach. I become the facilitator, coordinating
the cultural sharing, providing resources and materials and suggestions.
Having the students teach others helps them come to a fuller understanding
of the information.
As you use the quests, and lesson
ideas I'd love to hear from YOU! Let me know your great ideas, what works
and what needs improvement!
Quizzes
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