F.E. Bellows is abuzz about upcoming Immersion Weeks, which offer students the opportunity to learn about a geographical location inside out. “These in-depth studies encompass every area, including the history, geography, economics, as well as the social and cultural aspects of a region,” explained Principal Marge Longabucco.
By Janice Llanes Fabry
F.E. Bellows is abuzz about upcoming Immersion Weeks, which offer students the opportunity to learn about a geographical location inside out. “These in-depth studies encompass every area, including the history, geography, economics, as well as the social and cultural aspects of a region,” explained Principal Marge Longabucco.
“We also make sure that the fun and creative elements of learning don’t go by the wayside. This is 21st- century education,” she said.
The Immersion Week coming up enhances the fifth-grade Latin America curriculum. Among the many activities planned are: video conferencing with a school in South America, a visit by Purchase College Political Science professor John Gitlitz, who will bring in artifacts and share his travel adventures.
Each class will also visit Latin American restaurants in Mamaroneck to sample authentic cuisine, including ice cream. The week culminates with a Latin American band, which will discuss the origins of the music and provide the opportunity for plenty of dancing.
“We want the kids to come away with the culture, the taste, and all the flavors of South America,” explained fifth-grade team leader Joyce Pezzola. “It’s a lesson in tolerance and in appreciating different cultures and the beauty around us.”
Immersion weeks will continue throughout the year, with third graders studying Japan and fourth graders covering New York State.
Principal Longabucco is also pleased about the Treasures Reading Program, which was introduced at Bellows and Daniel Warren, this year. The research-based, comprehensive reading and language arts program is geared for grades K through 6. It offers companion programs for the Special Education and ESL curriculums.
“We’re very excited about the reading program. It’s aligned to the common core and it is integrated in all the subjects, so nothing is taught in isolation anymore,” explained Longabucco. “So far, the teachers and the students love the rich literature it provides.”
