Marvin B. Smith Elementary School in Burlington, North Carolina, recently transformed into a vibrant celebration of global connections and shared experiences. On Wednesday, March 20, 2024, the school hosted a joyful Global Festival that highlighted its dedication to fostering understanding and collaboration while equipping students with the skills, or global competencies, needed to navigate and succeed in an interconnected world.
As soon as visitors arrived, they were greeted with a sensory journey across continents. Food trucks offering culinary delights from various regions of the world lined the entrance, providing a warm and flavorful welcome. Inside the school, hallways became a colorful gallery, adorned with student artwork inspired by regions they had studied. Projects included intricate weavings and art inspired by Australia’s heritage, showcasing the students’ engagement and creativity.
Each area of the school was reimagined to celebrate a different continent, giving attendees the chance to explore global traditions. In the auditorium, the festive energy was infectious as parents and community members hosted interactive stations. These displays offered insights into different cultures and global competencies, such as the flavors of Turkish baklava paired with stories of notable achievements or traditions from Iran, providing attendees with a deeper appreciation for the rich variety of global cultures.
A standout moment was the Chinese fan dance, performed by students who had created their fans in art class and learned the choreography in music class. The festival also featured a dual language spelling bee, where students showcased their bilingual talents, emphasizing the importance of language skills in understanding and engaging with the world.
Explore our hashtag #UnitingOurWorld to see more inspiring activities from teachers and schools in the Participate Learning Network.
At the heart of the festival was a strong sense of community, exemplified by the Parent Teacher Organization’s (PTO) innovative global map. This interactive map allowed students to pin their cultural heritage and see connections across the community, symbolizing the growing bonds within the Marvin B. Smith family. Families also contributed artifacts from their own traditions, enriching the festival with personal stories and cultural pride.
The Global Festival at Marvin B. Smith Elementary was more than a celebration of traditions; it was a testament to the school’s commitment to preparing students to thrive in a deeply connected world. Through art, dance, language, and food, the festival emphasized the importance of understanding and appreciating the variety of perspectives that make up our global community. It served as a reminder that fostering curiosity, collaboration, and other global competencies is essential in today’s world.
Participate Learning has proudly partnered with Marvin B. Smith Elementary School since 2009. Beginning with dual language immersion and expanding in 2015 to include a global focus, this partnership reflects a shared commitment to preparing the next generation of career-ready, globally minded students. If your district or school is interested in creating dynamic, action-driven learning opportunities, contact us to learn more.
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