Lesson Plan

Linking Cultures and Enriching Lives *
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* adopted from the Northern Region's Conference of the American Association of Family and Consumer Science Professionals.

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OBJECTIVES:

* To recognize and validate cultural diversity in the classroom.
* To use cultural differences as positive reinforcement to enrich lives.
* To share cultural differences by sharing and focusing on foods, spices, folklore, history and customs.

With an extensive background in food promotion and working with the White House Easter Egg Roll for more than 30 years, the Virginia Egg Council had been successful in using food as a vehicle to share differences in cultures and to bring out diversity as a means to enrich lives.

Sharing spices, springtime traditions and holiday customs add a richness to cultural diversities.

IMPLEMENTATION:

With years of organizing Springtime Traditions at the White House with Embassy cultural attaches or ethnic organization, we were successful in developing a display with various cultures showing off their Spring Time Traditions. They proudly displayed their costumes, traditions and food customs.

Springtime Traditions became a favorite among more than 32,000 guests during the White House Easter Egg Roll. American children shared rolling eggs on the White House lawn, a White House tradition that started in 1876 and still continues every Monday after Easter Sunday. Visitors come to the White House's south lawn to have their children between the ages of 4-8 roll hard cooked eggs.

This is an American tradition started more than 134 years ago.

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In 2006, 28 countries represented their country dressed in their native costumes. Each child who was dressed to represent their country had a map of their country, a child's toy, fresh flowers, table cloth from their country and an example of food that could be served in a springtime meal, celebration or party.

SOCIAL STUDIES APPLICATION

* Every Teacher has students with different backgrounds and cultural experiences. We can embrace these cultural differences through food experiences.

* Within our booth called POLISH PERSPECTIVES, (reference on the CD) we link Polish cuisine, customs, folklore and traditions to make an interesting class project. These are our ROOTS.

* Polish Perspectives focuses on customs, rituals and celebrations to bring families of similar origins together.

* Examples of spices, breads and crafts showcase a display that appeals to children, historians and parents.

Easter Traditions are show-cased within the display with photos that show how springtime traditions are observed in Polish households. Customs, rituals, food choices, spices are particular to this time of year.

Spices, food history and recipes are included in the CD. Photos of table settings enhance the visual effects

New clothing is worn for Easter Sunday in Polish Households. All these rituals are related to the resurrection of Christ. All foods are symbolic of religious symbols and a reference to Christ.

RESULTS:

Children gain a respect for their ROOTS. They share their cultural diversities with others with food, customs, and rituals.

CONTACT:

Cecilia Glembocki CFCS (Certified Family Consumer Science Professional)
American Council for Polish Culture
Exhibit Chairperson - for the 2010 National Conference for Polish Culture
Booth #421 Polish Perspectives

e-mail: virginiaegg@cox.net

tel: office 703 790-1984, cell 703 501 6152