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Writer's pictureHimani Shah

International Mindedness Week at VKE: A Journey Through Cultures

Updated: Aug 14

In a multicultural setup where learning embraces both local and global contexts, VKE seized another opportunity to foster this through our International Mindedness Week Learning and Celebration. This week was not just a celebration but a profound learning experience. Each grade undertook a detailed study of a specific region or country, exploring its various facets in depth. We invite you to explore the activities and learning experiences of each grade in the following sections. The highlight was when students shared their findings across grades, making the learning experience more comprehensive and interconnected. As the saying goes, "In learning, you will teach, and in teaching, you will learn."

 

Nursery… Embarking on a Colourful Journey Through Our Nation!

During International Mindedness Week, our youngest learners in Nursery embarked on a delightful exploration of their own country and its diverse regions—South, North, West, and East. The children were introduced to national symbols, discovering the significance of the flag, fruit, bird, and animal, fostering an early sense of national pride.

 

Our Nursery students enthusiastically learned the song "I Am a Peacock" and embraced their wild side by roaring like tigers, embodying the spirit of India's national bird and animal. Their journey into cultural discovery continued as they delved into Maharashtrian traditions, savouring the sweet delight of Puran Poli and immersing themselves in regional music. 

 

The tiny tots showcased their artistic flair by dancing Bharatanatyam and decorating pots as part of the Pongal festival celebrations, bringing the festive atmosphere to life.


Jr. KG… Little Global Citizens in the Making!

During International Mindedness Week at VKE, our Jr KG students celebrated Indian culture and explored global diversity through a series of engaging and enriching activities. They connected with their cultural roots by participating in traditional Indian storytelling, music, and dance, immersing themselves in the rich heritage of their country. 

 

The highlight of the week was the involvement of parents from diverse backgrounds, who shared captivating presentations on their home cultures. These sessions showcased traditional attire, cuisines, and customs, providing a colourful and immersive experience for our young learners.

 

Sr. KG… Celebrating Shared Values: Embracing Unity Through Cultural Exploration!

International Mindedness Week was celebrated with great enthusiasm by the Sr. KG students. They engaged with stories like "Same, Same but Different" and "Wherever We Go," reflecting on discussions about how, despite our differences, we are all the same and should respect each other.

 

Throughout the week, students explored Indian culture through a hands-on approach. They learned about national symbols, traditional attire, food, and dance forms. They listened to the song "I Am Madhavi" and practised greetings in different languages, deepening their appreciation for cultural diversity. 

 

An exciting highlight was the visit from PYP 4 students, who introduced Sr. KG learners to Spanish culture. This interactive session allowed students to ask questions and learn about Spain, broadening their understanding of global diversity.

 

The week concluded with a vibrant celebration where students wore cultural attire and spoke about it in front of their peers. This activity not only boosted their confidence but also fostered a sense of unity and respect for different cultures.

 

PYP 1… Discovering India’s Rich Tapestry: A Journey Through Our Diverse Lands!

International Mindedness Week was a joyful celebration for our PYP-1 learners as they connected deeply with their home country, India. The week was dedicated to exploring and appreciating the diverse cultures that make up our nation. Learners were encouraged to inquire into the various traditions, languages, and lifestyles that coexist harmoniously in India, highlighting the beauty of our cultural diversity and mutual respect.

 

The week commenced with thought-provoking discussions around three key questions: What does international-mindedness mean to you? Why is it important for us to become internationally minded? How can we become internationally-minded learners? These discussions laid the foundation for our exploration, emphasizing the importance of understanding and embracing global perspectives.

 

India's incredible diversity and richness were showcased through an exploration of its four distinct regions: North, South, East, and West. This journey provided our learners with a comprehensive view of India’s varied cultures, cuisines, and traditional attire. They gained a deeper understanding of cultural differences and similarities, making real-life connections and sharing their insights with their peers.

 

Our PYP-1 learners came dressed according to their regions and enthusiastically shared their newfound knowledge with Grade 5 students, demonstrating their respect for different cultures. This exchange of learning between grades was a testament to the collaborative spirit fostered within our school community.

 

PYP 2… Unveiling South Korea: A Cultural Quest of Discovery and Collaboration!

Our PYP 2 grade began their journey into South Korean culture with the exciting task of creating an information booklet. Students were thrilled as they were divided into groups, each tasked with exploring different aspects of South Korean culture such as Food, Language, Greetings, Clothing, Places, Arts, Music, and Dance.

 

In their groups, students engaged in lively discussions, sharing and gathering information from various resources provided by the teacher. These resources included books, articles, and printed information sheets about South Korea. Each group focused on understanding and documenting their assigned cultural aspect. The collaborative spirit was palpable as students explored the rich cultural heritage of South Korea.

 

The teacher collected all the pages and compiled them into a class information booklet. The completed booklet was proudly presented to the Nursery students. Students were eager to take turns viewing the booklet, which was also displayed in the classroom for everyone to see. This activity not only enhanced their understanding of South Korean culture but also fostered a sense of accomplishment and pride in their collaborative work.


PYP 3: A Window into Japan: Learning Through Art, Language, and Tradition!

The week commenced with students immersing themselves in Japanese culture through extensive research using books and online articles available via the Dell Lab. They compiled their findings into a comprehensive booklet, highlighting key aspects of Japanese culture, including traditional customs, the intricate beauty of Japanese clothing, and the deep-rooted values of respect and empathy that define Japanese society.

 

One of the highlights of the week was a guest speaker session with a teacher from Japan. This interactive session provided students with firsthand insights into Japanese life and culture. The teacher shared personal experiences, discussed the nuances of Japanese customs, and answered students’ questions, enriching their understanding of the country’s traditions and societal norms.

 

Another highlight was the origami art activity. Students learned the ancient Japanese art of paper folding, creating beautiful figures such as origami birds. This hands-on activity was more than just an art project; it was a lesson in patience, precision, and cultural appreciation.

 

Students also recited the Japanese version of the beloved poem “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,” embracing the Japanese language. This activity emphasized the Open-minded attribute, encouraging students to embrace and appreciate differences in their daily lives.

 

Many students expressed newfound respect for Japanese culture and an eagerness to learn more about other cultures as well. They shared personal commitments to show respect and empathy towards people from different cultures, illustrating the positive impact of our week-long journey.

 

PYP 4… Journey to Spain: Understanding Culture Through Stories and Experiences!

During International Mindedness Week, the PYP 4 learners embarked on an enlightening journey to grasp the essence of international mindedness. Through the story of "Whoever You Are," they discovered the importance of respecting and celebrating diversity, fostering a sense of global friendship and unity.

 

Students formed groups to research various aspects of Spanish culture, including traditions, architecture, values, clothing, and food. They explored vibrant Spanish festivals, examined the intricate designs of famous landmarks, learned about Spanish societal values, and studied traditional clothing and cuisine. Their collaborative efforts not only enhanced their research skills but also encouraged teamwork and cooperation.

 

The week culminated in engaging presentations to Sr. KG children, where each group used visual aids, models, and performances to share their newfound knowledge and appreciation for Spain. This immersive experience broadened their horizons by exposing them to different cultural perspectives and traditions, instilling values of empathy and respect as they learned to appreciate the uniqueness of another culture.

 

The project highlighted the importance of global awareness, helping the learners understand how interconnected and interdependent the world is. It emphasized the need for unity, showing them that despite cultural differences, universal values and experiences bind us together as a global community.

 

PYP 5… Exploring Iranian Heritage: An Insightful Dive into Global Cultures and Perspectives!

This week, PYP 5 joyfully celebrated International Mindedness Week with a series of engaging activities that expanded our students' understanding of global cultures and perspectives.

 

Our focus on Iranian culture allowed students to delve into traditional Iranian art, music, architecture, and cuisine. They showcased their findings through displays, artefacts, and presentations, even dressing in traditional Iranian attire. This immersive experience deepened their appreciation for Iran's rich history and cultural practices, enhancing their sense of international mindedness.

 

An exciting highlight was the ‘Geography and Lifestyle’ presentation, a key part of our ongoing Unit of Inquiry. Informative and interactive stalls depicted places around the world, illustrating the connection between physical features and the lifestyles of people living there. Students, embodying the Thinker and Knowledgeable attributes, asked insightful questions and observed keenly, gaining a deeper understanding of how the physical environment shapes human lives.

 

Another engaging event was the reading session featuring ‘Beauty of Difference’ from World of Stories. Through thought-provoking questions, students reflected on the value of diversity and shared personal experiences of working with people from different backgrounds. This activity emphasized the Open-minded attribute, encouraging students to embrace and appreciate differences in their daily lives.

 

The week concluded with students creating vibrant posters showcasing their chosen Learner Profile attributes. This creative activity allowed them to reflect on their learnings and express their understanding artistically.


International Mindedness Week at VKE was a vibrant exploration of cultural diversity and global perspectives. Students from all grades engaged in a rich array of activities, from learning about national symbols and traditional customs to immersing themselves in the arts, music, and languages of different cultures. They eagerly took the stage to share their insights, showcasing artefacts, creating infographic charts, dressing in traditional attire, and providing detailed explanations about the countries they represented. This collaborative venture highlighted values of empathy, respect, and unity, culminating in a fulfilling experience for everyone involved. As students reflected on the significance of the Learner Profile attributes in their lives, it became a powerful reminder of our shared humanity and the beauty of diverse cultures. This celebration enriched our school community and inspired a global outlook, demonstrating the power of collaborative, holistic learning and the vibrant spirit of international-mindedness at VKE.

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