April 27, 2018
Next, students enjoyed small group experiences, learning about different cultures through storytelling, music, dance, holiday celebrations, and art. TK students learned the South Korean Alphabet and heard about travels in Colombia. Kindergartners had a ball breaking cascarones in celebration and dancing to the music of Trinidad. First graders learned about Colombian folklore and making mochi, while second graders celebrated Day of the Dead and tried their hands at Taiwanese calligraphy. In the upper elementary grades, students traveled in mixed-age groups, learning Japanese calligraphy and testing their dancing skills with Zumba and traditional Indian dance. Some students even took virtual field trips to Peru, India, and Japan, getting a glimpse inside typical family homes. Finally, Middle Schoolers enjoyed Latin dance, drumming activities, and Rangoli art from India.
The International Cafe was a favorite stop for many students – and adults, too! From dumplings to Welsh cakes, bourekas (puff pastries filled with cheese) to fried plantains, we sampled and enjoyed the delicious flavors provided by our TDS families. Also in the Commons, older students were able to have henna designs drawn on their hands, as we listened to the beautiful music of the steel drums.
All in all, it was a fabulous experience for our entire school community. We are grateful to all of the families that contributed their time and talents to this event, to the faculty and staff for their support and flexibility. Most of all, we want to thank Mrs. Bassler for her leadership and organization.
Mark Twain said, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.” With experiences like the International Festival, it is a pleasure to move in that “broad, wholesome, charitable” direction.
Amie Tedeschi, Lower School Coordinator
