June 03, 2008
K-1 Education Program Showcases Africa
What’s new in New Albany, Ohio?
How about the inspirational first grade SAIL classroom of Shelley Cervantes? Throughout the school year, the K-1 building has been learning about Africa, African animals, rainforests, culture, and more, in conjunction with the Partners In Conservation. PIC is a program that began with the Columbus Zoo.
Mrs. Cervantes' class took their learning to the next level and planned their own “African Celebration” which was held in their classroom. The SAIL program has encouraged the children to use their imagination and learn through “real life” situations. They put their freshly honed skills into a complete celebration beginning with invitations delivered to their parents.
When I first approached the classroom, I was drawn in by the African music playing in the background. One of the students then greeted me with “jambo”. I had learned from my daughter that “jambo” was a Swahili word that translates into “hello”. Swahili is the language of Rwanda, which has been one of the primary focuses of their African studies. I was then handed two flyers. One flyer was a layout of the classroom which mapped out 6 different stations: jewelry making with beads, Swahili translating, African music (bongos), food flavors and tasting, engota making (the soft circular item placed on the head for people carrying objects on them on top of their heads), and even a puppet show about friendship! The other handout was similar to a passport so that you could collect a stamp after completing your visit of each station.
I begin my journey being directed to “station # 3” which turned out to be the Swahili translation. I quickly learned the words for medicine and father. I asked one of the “teachers” about the importance of the words that we were learning. The answer that I received was not one typically given by a 7 year old. She explained to me that the importance of the words learned were mainly for the “visitors” of Rwanda. Because their country is so different from ours, she explained that it was important for us to learn about what they need to help them with their “sustainability”. Medicine was desperately needed, as was protection of the rain forest. I could see the “caring and concern” in her eyes as she explained this to me. Upon completion of this station, I was directed to the bongos.
The bongos and drums were a “hit” to all of the students, and I watched as each child took turns trying out the instruments. The smiles at this station were never ending. After taking my turn, one of the students suggested that I “grab some food” and visit the jewelry making station.
The food tables had a variety of African foods that included: fried plantains, coconut flavored rice, cookies, trail mixes, and fruits. It was an array of wonderful odors, and delights for the taste buds. With a full plate, I headed off to make a beaded necklace.
The student that headed the jewelry making station suggested that I take a piece of twine, and a handful of colorful beads. I had her explain to me how we could tie off the string, and make a necklace that might be “typical” for African adornments. She laughed and told me “the more colors the better!” As I was completing the jewelry station, one of the classroom “managers” that had greeted me at the door, quieted the room, and pleasantly invited everyone to stop what they were doing so that they could gather around the “drama” stage for a puppet show performance.
Once all of the students, parents, siblings, and grand parents gathered, we were ready for the show. The show was fully scripted (written by the children) and the three puppeteers delivered a riveting performance of friendship. The show was a success and the students proudly took their bows.
After the show, I headed off to the engota station. One of the students showed me how this important accessory was made.
I was excited and proud to witness how much thought and effort was placed into making this a perfect “African Celebration” by Mrs. Cervantes class. I realized that each of the students not only looked at this as a fun day, but also as a day to spread the importance and “awareness” of what they have been learning in their class.
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