January- A taste around the world

Our curriculum for Kindergarten has a social studies section (history/geography) of lessons.  We learn about the world map, simple US exploration, US symbols, US map, and children of the world.  We talk about our state and where we live too.  We always have lots of fun learning where we are on the map and how big the world is.  We finish the section off with a Taste Around the World.  The parents volunteer to provide a snack from one of the countries we have talked about in class.  I send a note with ideas of foods that were mentioned, but, of course, I have always had creative parents who go far above and beyond!  We have so much food we cannot eat it all.  My rule has always been to try a bite of everything (as long as it is not an allergy concern!). Years that we have had nut allergies, we do not bring that into the room.  Other children who have had issues, I steer them toward things they can have and parents send in substitutes.  I am always so proud of all my friends...the pickiest of them at least try a little bite or lick!  "You can't say you don't like it if you never tried it!"  And I have drawn attention to things that I have not had but have tried!  One year, we had dragon fruit.  "I know I'm old, but I have never tried this...and look...it's pink!"  Several of the children had already tried it and were cheering me on as I took a bite.  "Oh, that is sour!"  They all laughed and asked, "But do you like it?" I had a captive audience to see if I would take my own advice. "I do!  See, I tried it and found out I liked it!"  And they cheered...feeling like they taught me something.  THAT IS THE CYCLE OF LEARNING...TEACHING...GROWING...LEARNING...

TEACHERS CAN'T QUIT LEARNING AND GROWING!

Students are welcomed that day with our map puzzles, animals, and interactive globe.  They can also work on their activity book (curriculum color pages of the various children around the world).

I provide the plates, napkins, plastic silverware, and drinks.  We have snack each day at 9:30am.  I adjust our times for special days and this full table was shared then.  We go play in the gym for recess after all the yummy food!  Overheard as they ran past me to play, "This is the best day ever!"