Valley Stream Union Free School District Thirteen’s James A. Dever Elementary School second grade students recently participated in a multicultural poster project and gave corresponding presentations about their findings. In recent weeks, students spent time both in school and out of school researching their selected culture’s history, literature, music and cuisine—gaining a deeper insight into how people of that culture live their daily lives. Some students also had the opportunity to interview their parents or grandparents to obtain an even more nuanced view about their particular culture of study.
The extensive research culminated in the school’s Multicultural Fair that showcased students’ knowledge of cultures and their awareness of the community’s diverse background. Family members, staff and administrators enjoyed a student concert featuring songs from around the world and exploring the elaborate posters and cultural artifacts each student presented.