Lake County Gazette

Ardmore Elementary School celebrated its multicultural week starting April 28, concluding with the annual Multicultural Fair on May 1. Families hosted interactive stations in the gym representing six countries: Burma, India, Mexico, Brazil, Ireland, and the Philippines.

Students received passport stamps as they explored each station and learned about cultural traditions through artifacts, books, clothing, music, food, and other cultural elements.

Throughout the week, students also explored multiculturalism in their specials classes. In music class, teacher Garret Hammond led students in learning multicultural songs and dances from Mexico and Brazil among others. Kindergartners sang “La Zapatero,” a traditional Mexican song, and learned a Dutch folk dance called “Boanopstekker.” First-graders practiced “Fjaskern,” a children’s dance from Sweden while second-graders learned “Los Machetes,” a traditional Mexican dance. Third-graders learned the Russian folk dance “Sasha.” Fourth-graders sang “Sansa Kroma,” a call-and-response song from Ghana while fifth-graders explored “Sambalele,” a lively Brazilian folk song that incorporates two-part singing along with percussion and mallet instruments.

In addition to music classes, students participated in global games during physical education with Mr. Kueper. Kindergartners through second-graders played “3 Chiefs,” a traditional game from Nigeria while third- through fifth-graders participated in “Hunters and Rabbits,” a fast-paced game from Belgium.

During art class, students learned about famous artists and their works from the countries featured in the fair.

Special thanks were given to the Multicultural Team for their thoughtful planning; parent volunteers whose time and energy made the fair possible; and specials teachers for helping students celebrate multiculturalism throughout the week.