At M.S. 390, Andorra Comes Alive Through Comics

By: Asma Jaffrey, Global Classroom Intern

“Andorra? A country? Really?” said a student in Mr. Swander’s 6^th grade class at MS 390 on October 23, 2009. Global Guide Natali Martins, a Fulbright student studying at Teachers College, replied “yes there is, can you guess where it’s located on the map?” Students feverishly attempted to locate Andorra on a digital map, but could not find it and began to name all the continents. Finally a student said “Europe!!!” and from here, Natali took the students on a journey to a far away nation without leaving the walls of room 601.

To begin, students explored ‘cultural identity’ through an interactive activity called Cultural Diversity & Cultural Understanding. Each student paired up with a partner and filled out a Venn diagram with characteristics they had in common and characteristics that were different among them (for instance gender, phenotype, languages, tastes, backgrounds, experiences, family, heritage, dreams, projects, religion, etc.) To their surprise, the students had many things in common with one another that they did not know - even after being in the classroom together for almost two months!

To provide students with a rich cultural background on Andorra, Natali discussed the geographic composition, population size and language diversity of her small country. Natali presented students with several beautiful pictures of Andorra in a thoughtful manner; she designed every power point slide with a question and provided students with a choice of three answers. Students had to choose the right answer in order to move onto the next slide. Students saw pictures of various parts of Andorra, which they compared to New York City and other cities around the world.

To conclude her presentation, Natali introduced the class to an important tradition in Andorra called Diada de San Jordi, which is very similar to the American tradition of Valentines Day. Natali narrated a folk story connected to Diada de San Jordi through comics and asked the students to create a folk story from their culture through comic as a creative homework assignment.

Japanese Workshop for the 'Principal for a Day' Event in Brooklyn!

By: Samira Anfi, Global Classroom Intern

Once again this October, Global Classroom had the great pleasure to participate to the ‘Principal for a Day’ event at P.S 241 in Brooklyn. For this special occasion, two Japanese graduate students at Teachers College Global Guides, Toshiko Takahashi and Makiko Yoshino, delivered workshops on the culture of their home country to three different classes of 5^th graders.

After introducing themselves to the class and locating Japan on a colorful map, they led a hands-on activity around traditional Japanese paper folding, origami. Toshiko explained the signicance of this art as a symbol of peace and good luck, and the students’ eyes shined when she told them that a Japanese popular belief says that if they make one thousand paper cranes, their dreams will come true!

Since folding a crane is not easy to do and required concentration, it was a challenge for students, but they were great in helping each other.

Makiko made also a big impression on to the students by wearing a colorful kimono, the Japanese traditional dress. Makiko explained that her kimono would be considered a formal design in Japan, worn for a special occaision. Many of the accessories she wore belonged to her grandmother.

All of the students had a great time learning about Japan and the significance of origami. They were excited to take home their paper cranes. Makiko and Toshiko suggested the students give the cranes to “someone they love.”

Fall 2009 Global Classroom Training

By: Samira Anfi, Global Classroom Intern

On Saturday, October 3, Global Classroom held its first large training for new Global Guides of the new school year. The Fall 2009 Global Guide training brought together 46 students and scholars from more than 28 different countries and 21 colleges and universities in and around New York City. Because of the new Guides’ wonderful enthusiasm and lively participation, the training was a great success.

The training began with a broad overview of the education system in New York City, and in the United States more generally. Asma, Global Classroom Intern, explained the importance of NYC public school students receiving a global education. Then, the Global Guides listened to an in-depth explanation of how to create their own workshop for different grade levels and some tools and tips to keep a workshop interactive.

After lunch, two veteran Global Guides transformed the training space into a classroom, and led two example workshops for the new Guides to observe. Playing the part of middle and high school students, the new Guides simulated a realistic classroom atmosphere, complete with giggling, many questions, and even some sarcastic answers.

The first workshop was led by Nachi Udupa, a former Global Classroom Intern and student at Teachers College from India, focused on modern concepts of terrorism and the role of non-violent action for achieving peace.. Nachi also discussed globalization and invoked the messages of Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy. Next, Stella Chan, a Chinese Global Guide, presented a workshop about Mao and Revolutionary Art. She showed the new Guides how to make a workshop interactive by having them participate in some groupwork. This activity got them thinking creatively, as they designed and presented their own advertisements or propaganda posters!

During a final brainstorming session, the new Global Guides had the chance to share their opinions about these two workshops and gave a constructive feedback to our two presenters. A group picture brought our amazing day to a close!

To our new Global Guides, your enthusiasm and passion is contagious—this is going to be a great year for Global Classroom and we are very excited to see you all in the classroom soon!