More than One Way To Say “Hello” Appreciating Cultural Differences at Roosevelt Elementary The Power of a Single Word Hello is more than a word or gesture, it is an acknowledgment of existence. It is a pause, however brief, to affirm another's worth. How might the world change-how might we change—if we mastered this word? The “Hello” Idea Bullying has not only been a considerable problem at Roosevelt Elementary but an ongoing one, too. With over twenty-seven languages spoken from world regions comprising of over twenty-two countries, Roosevelt Elementary is a very diverse community that has experienced barriers both culturally and linguistically. Therefore, to help first grade students (future leaders of the school) learn that, although Core Curriculum Standards According to the K-2 Social Studies Core Curriculum “In order to prepare students to be knowledgeable citizens and leaders in a diverse and fast- paced world, [students must] recognize various cultures, traditions, and belief systems and their contributions to our society.” As part of this objective, core standards in K- 2 education are also centered on students establishing a sense of self. Therefore, fostering personal relationships within the classroom and extending learning to building a positive school community not only helps students identify themselves as
Transcript
More than One WayTo Say “Hello”
Appreciating Cultural Differencesat Roosevelt Elementary
The Power of a Single Word
Hello is more than a word or gesture, it is an acknowledgment of existence. It is a pause, however brief, to affirm another's worth. How might the world change-how might we change—if we mastered this word?
The “Hello” IdeaBullying has not only been a considerable problem at Roosevelt Elementary but an ongoing one, too. With over twenty-seven languages spoken from world regions comprising of over twenty-two countries, Roosevelt Elementary is a very diverse community that has experienced barriers both culturally and linguistically. Therefore, to help first grade students (future leaders of the school) learn that, although everyone is different, it is through embracing and accepting ourselves and others that we come to understand how unique and important each of us are. The goal is to encourage students to realize that no matter what people may be like on the outside, inside we are all the same. What better way to start than
Core Curriculum Standards
According to the K-2 Social Studies Core Curriculum “In order to prepare students to be knowledgeable citizens and leaders in a diverse and fast-paced world, [students must] recognize various cultures, traditions, and belief systems and their contributions to our society.” As part of this objective, core standards in K-2 education are also centered on students establishing a sense of self. Therefore, fostering personal relationships within the classroom and extending learning to building a positive school community not only helps students identify themselves as important individuals but also as members of a greater whole; their school. 1.1 Recognize and demonstrate respect for the differences within one's community.2.2 Describe and practice responsible behavior inherent in being a good citizen in the school
Service Learning Project
First GradeGenny Luckau
Core Curriculum Standards
According to the K-2 Social Studies Core Curriculum “In order to prepare students to be knowledgeable citizens and leaders in a diverse and fast-paced world, [students must] recognize various cultures, traditions, and belief systems and their contributions to our society.” As part of this objective, core standards in K-2 education are also centered on students establishing a sense of self. Therefore, fostering personal relationships within the classroom and extending learning to building a positive school community not only helps students identify themselves as important individuals but also as members of a greater whole; their school. 1.1 Recognize and demonstrate respect for the differences within one's community.2.2 Describe and practice responsible behavior inherent in being a good citizen in the school
What Was LearnedTeacher: Service is a kind act, but service learning utilizes academic knowledge to identify and address needs in the community. Students will not wake up one day to become civically responsible members of society on their own. Students need opportunities and guidance to develop the skill for productive citizenship.
Students: Although students are still in the skill building step of the project, they have become socially more aware of others in their community. Students have become more cooperative workers and have built new friendships across grade levels. Additionally, students are making connections in geography.
Introducing the IdeaStudents were introduced to cultural diversity by the following texts: Whoever You Are by Mem Fox and Can You Say Peace? by Karen Katz. Students then participated in a “Hello” activity and learned about different ways their classmates can say hello in another language. The goal is to learn how to say hello in every language represented at Roosevelt.
ProceduresEvery Monday afternoon, students learn about a different country via Google Earth. Students then document learning by recording the country name, a picture of the flag, and how to say hello in that country. Students then spend the week saying hello to their classmates and others in this new language, Important
Resources ESL
Coordinator Parents Google Earth
What is happening Now and in the Future
Although the “hello” idea was originally developed by the teacher, students decided that they wanted to document their learning by maintaining a book. This is where the passport came from.
Students are only six countries into their project. Once learning begins to expand across grade levels, countries that share the same language will be learned in unison.
After students have learned how to say hello in all the languages represented at Roosevelt, their fourth grade buddies will help them compile their passport information to make an informational book that will be donated to the school library.
