The Elephant 2021 13
Celebrating our Community ‘Citizens the world needs’ are learners who take action to be global thinkers, who understand diverse perspectives and who celebrate each other. In Wardle House, learner agency is promoted in meaningful and collaborative ways. Guided by the line of inquiry, ‘Celebrations that make us unique’, this year our Year 3 students have been uncovering the celebrations that are significant to the diverse cultures in our community. Presenting to his class, Patrick described how much fun Songkran, Thailand’s New Year celebrations, are for him and his family. Patrick’s friend Asha shared that it mattered to know when Patrick was celebrating Songkran. Bailey thinks it is especially important that Patrick taught them. Gwen hopes that now she knows about Songkran that it may mean she is able to join in the celebration one day. Stating definitively that she is ‘actually’ Peruvian, Luciana talks about Inti Raymi, a Spanish festival of the sun. Luciana reflects that knowing her classmates understand the ways in which she is Peruvian, makes her feel more confident. If there are many different cultural celebrations all around the world, what then, are the elements that celebrations have in common? Year 3 students went on to analyse the information they had gathered, comparing different celebrations and making their thinking visible with a huge data display showing that commonalities include traditions, gathering together, food, costumes, rules and dates. Looking at the results of their research, the children were inspired towards action. Equipped with an understanding of the commonalities in celebrations around the world, Year 3 asked what might be missing from our long-standing annual picnic at Mothers Beach. Music, singing and dance! Participation builds our culture in Wardle House, so this answer provided the perfect action to take. What better way than introducing the Year 3 flashmob show (fluro face painting included) as a new beach picnic tradition. Now, thanks to our 2021 Year 3 class, we can look forward to this new musical tradition every year at the beach. Mrs Phillipa Morgan PYP Coordinator
