Ridgecrest Elementary students explored global traditions during the school’s first multicultural week, capped off with vibrant “Day of Play” activities such as Japanese fan-making, Chinese jump rope, folk dances, international crafts and coloring flags from around the world.

“Our school has a Chinese dual immersion program and sometimes kids have a hard time getting to know the whole grade because not everyone is enrolled in it,” PTA president Brooke Schneider said. “We thought this way, we could celebrate all the cultures at the school and include everybody.”

Students also created “My Story” posters, wore traditional clothing, and began each day with a parent sharing announcements and their culture in their native language.

“One of our parents from Japan talked about how slurping noodles in the Japanese culture is considered polite,” she said.

The cafeteria served dishes from different cultures, paired with facts about their origins.

“One of the days, pupusas was a choice and students learned they originated more than 2,000 years old in Central America,” she said.

Students also learned multicultural games, stories, songs and art during their rotations.

Fourth-grader Pepper Ahmadi shared her Iranian heritage, saying, “There’s not a lot of Iranians at school; my dad was born there.”

Classmate Reese Liljenquist shared her Swedish roots: “By doing so, people get to know me better and I get to know them better.”

Fourth-graders Ellie Hsieh liked learning about noodle-slurping in Asia while Ezra Barney enjoyed cultural stories in the library.

Fifth-grade teachers Annette Hubley and Yen Ju Chen led students in making Japanese fans. 

“We know our students have a lot of exposure to Chinese, so we thought we’d introduce them to a Japanese craft,” Hubley said. “I love they’re being exposed to world cultures.”

Multitiered support aide Michelle Whitehorse highlighted her Navajo heritage.

“Before, we didn’t focus as much on inclusion and it’s important we recognize our heritage,” she said. “This is an amazing opportunity to showcase our cultures and embrace our diversity.”

Third-grade teacher Andrea Rowell agrees: “Diversity is important; learning one another’s heritage helps build friendships and openness—and we build a more understanding community.”λ