How We Express Ourselves

It is hard to believe that we will be completing our second Unit of Inquiry next week. 

How We Express Ourselves

Central Idea: Literature is one medium through which we explore traditions, values, and cultural celebrations.

Lines of Inquiry:

·       We unite through celebrations with other cultures (Connection) 

·       Celebrations (stories/literature) help people become knowledgeable/informed of other cultures (of differences) (Perspective)

·       Celebrations are unique but share similarities (Form)

The students have explored this unit by reading Cinderella books around the world.  Did you know the Irish version of Cinderella has a boy as the main character?  He is the Irish Cinderlad!  We’ve also explored the Native American Cinderella through The Rough Face Girl.  We’ve traveled to Africa and read Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters.  The first graders were introduced to a non-fiction book describing the countries traditions, foods, and celebrations.  The students were encouraged to look for the traditions, values, and celebrations that were reflected in each version of Cinderella. 

We were so excited to hear that so many first graders drug their parents to the library to find different versions of Cinderella.