No bags required: C.E.S. 126 students took in the sights and sounds of other countries without ever leaving Highbridge

By Denáe Brewer
Editor-in-chief

The first graders at C.E.S. 126 recently took a trip around the world. They packed no bags, they took no toothbrushes, and they had no money. All they needed was a makeshift passport and their imagination.

On the school’s annual multi-cultural day — Friday, April 4 — the youngsters enjoyed the wonders of Africa, the pearls of Asia, and the spices of North America.

“I think this is the best idea,” said Eleanor Staine, a paraprofessional in the school. “It’s educational. It lets them learn about other places than just America.”

Gillian Chung, one of the coordinators of the event, stressed the educational advantages, but also admitted that the day was meant to be fun. “The children enjoyed what they learned,” she explained. “In some instances, they learned to say hello or goodbye in the language of their particular country.”

One aspect that makes multi-cultural day so much fun and educational is that each class is responsible for learning about one particular country, then sharing their knowledge with the rest of the grade.

“I like this,” said Chynna Astwood as she looked around Ms. Herbert’s classroom, which was transformed into a jungle, complete with giraffes, tigers, elephants, and other animals of the Kenyan landscape. “We get to go to other places and taste their food.”

Desree Cabrall, one of the first grade teachers, said the kids learned how big and diverse the globe really is. “Naturally, we can’t afford to take the children around the world, but at least this way they get a taste of what’s out there.”

A taste indeed. Each class offered a bit of the cuisine and traditions associated with the culture they studied.

Equipped with a group passport, the children set out on their journey. Each class took turns visiting the other classrooms.

The first stop was Japan, land of the rising sun. There, the children and their teachers dressed in kimonos. From Geishas equipped with fans to black-belt karate experts, the children loved the experience. At a demonstration, some performed a kabuki dance while others did a little sumo wrestling. Sushi, a Japanese delicacy, and chopsticks were set out on one table while in the back of the room, a traditional tearoom complete with pillows for chairs garnered the most oohs and aahs.

“This is so beautiful,” Ms. Staine said of the classroom. “Ms. Cabrall” — who incidentally was dressed as a Geisha herself — “and all of the teachers went all out for this.”

Next stop India, with its traditional and most common form of dress, the sari. The children also learned of the peaceful ways of Gandhi.

Then it was off to Egypt, where children learned about the mummifying process and that the Nile River is the only body of water in the world that flows north.

From there, it was a quick walk to the jungles of Kenya. Children learned about its many wonders as well as the traditional dress of the country. They also tasted tapioca pudding, a common desert there.

Last, but not least, the children arrived in Mexico, where a brightly dressed teacher, festive music, and children wearing handmade ponchos were in full supply.

By far, this country got the greatest praise for its food. Tortillas, guacamole dip, tamales, and spicy beans peppered the palate—all of which, to the teacher’s amusement, delighted the children.

“The tamales are the best,” beamed Keyris Dias, a first grader.

No matter what the taste, the event was a huge success. Maria Balija, the school’s principal, was pleased with what the day offered. “We’re giving them a glimpse of something new,” she said. “We hope in some way, it teaches them an understanding of what others have to offer.”