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Global Friends Gathering

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Lesson Plan

Global Friends Gathering

Students will be able to identify and appreciate different cultural backgrounds and perspectives, and practice respectful interactions with peers.

Understanding and appreciating diverse cultures helps students build empathy, reduce stereotypes, and foster a more inclusive classroom and community. It prepares them to be respectful global citizens.

Audience

1st Grade Group

Time

20 minutes

Approach

Through stories, visuals, and interactive sharing, students will explore various cultures.

Materials

Our Wonderful World (slide-deck), Stories from Around the Globe (reading), and Cultural Sharing Circle (activity)

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: What Makes Us Unique?

3 minutes

  • Begin by asking students to share something unique about themselves (e.g., a favorite food, a family tradition).
    - Explain that just like individuals, families and groups of people have unique things that make them special.

Step 2

Introducing Cultural Differences

5 minutes

  • Present the Our Wonderful World Slide Deck.
    - Go through the slides, discussing different aspects of culture like clothing, food, greetings, and celebrations from various parts of the world.
    - Emphasize that 'different' doesn't mean 'better' or 'worse', just 'different' and interesting!

Step 3

Story Time: Cultures Around the Globe

7 minutes

  • Read aloud or have students follow along with the Stories from Around the Globe Reading.
    - Pause to discuss new concepts and vocabulary related to different cultures mentioned in the story.
    - Ask questions like: 'What was a new tradition you learned about?' or 'How is this similar or different to something you do?'

Step 4

Cultural Sharing Circle

5 minutes

  • Facilitate the Cultural Sharing Circle Activity.
    - Encourage students to share a family tradition, a food they eat, or a special celebration from their own background.
    - Model active listening and respectful questions.
    - Emphasize that everyone's contributions are valued.
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Slide Deck

Welcome, Global Friends!

What makes you, YOU? We are all unique and special!

Welcome students and set a positive tone. Ask them to think about what makes them special.

A World of Many Ways

What is 'culture'?

It's how groups of people live, share, and celebrate!

Introduce the idea that just like people, different groups of people around the world have their own special ways of doing things.

Dress Up!

People wear different clothes around the world.

From kimonos to kilts, every style tells a story!

Show images of different traditional clothing. Ask students to observe similarities and differences.

Yummy in My Tummy!

Food is a big part of culture!

Think tacos from Mexico, pasta from Italy, and sushi from Japan. What's your favorite food?

Discuss various foods and eating customs. Ask if they recognize any or have tried something similar.

Hello, How Are You?

How do people say hello?

Some wave, some bow, some shake hands. How do you greet your friends?

Explain different greetings. Demonstrate a few and have students practice.

Time to Celebrate!

Many cultures have special celebrations.

Like Diwali, Chinese New Year, and festivals of music and dance!

Talk about celebrations from various cultures. Highlight the joy and community.

Differences Make Us Special!

Our differences make our world colorful and exciting!

Let's be kind, learn from each other, and celebrate everyone's unique culture.

Summarize the key message: differences are wonderful and make the world exciting. Encourage curiosity and respect.

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Reading

A Taste of the World

Hi friends! Our world is like a giant, colorful puzzle, and every piece is special! Let's travel and learn about two amazing children and their cultures.

Meet Leilani from Hawaii

Far away, on sunny islands, lives a girl named Leilani. She loves to swim in the warm ocean and build sandcastles. In Hawaii, people often say "Aloha" to greet each other. It means both hello and goodbye, and also love!

Leilani's favorite food is poi, a special dish made from a plant called taro. Her family often celebrates with a luau, a big party with music, dancing, and delicious food cooked underground. Leilani learns to dance the hula, telling stories with her hands and feet. She loves her island home and sharing its warmth with others.

Meet Mateo from Mexico

Now, let's fly to Mexico and meet Mateo! Mateo lives in a bustling town where music is always playing. He loves to help his grandma make tortillas, patting the dough until it's perfectly round. In Mexico, people say "Hola!" for hello, and they often give a hug or a friendly pat on the back.

Mateo's favorite celebration is Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. It's a special time when families remember and honor loved ones who have passed away with colorful altars, bright flowers, and sweet bread. Mateo also enjoys watching mariachi bands play lively music with guitars and trumpets. He feels proud of his vibrant culture and all its joyful traditions.

What did you learn?

  • What makes Leilani's culture special?


  • What makes Mateo's culture special?


  • What is something unique about your own family or culture?


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Activity

Cultural Sharing Circle

It's time to share and celebrate our own wonderful cultures! We all have unique traditions, foods, and ways of celebrating that make us special. In this circle, we will take turns sharing something about our own family's culture.

How to Share:

  1. Think: What is something special about your family or culture? It could be:
    • A favorite food you eat at home.
    • A special holiday or celebration your family has.
    • A unique family tradition (e.g., a special game you play, a bedtime story ritual).
    • A way your family says hello or goodby in another language.
  2. Share: When it's your turn, tell the group about your special cultural item or tradition.
  3. Listen: When others are sharing, please listen carefully and respectfully. You can show you're listening by looking at the person speaking.
  4. Ask a Question (Optional): If you are curious, you can ask a kind question about what someone shared (e.g., "That sounds fun! What do you do on that holiday?").

Let's Share!

What makes your family or culture special?










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lenny