Geography lessons are a lot more lively and interactive than ours were. Rye Neck fifth graders traveled through Latin America this fall without boarding a plane.

 

By Janice Llanes Fabry

Geography lessons are a lot more lively and interactive than ours were. Rye Neck fifth graders traveled through Latin America this fall without boarding a plane. F.E. Bellows’ Immersion Week amplified students’ understanding of other regions and cultures through a variety of events and presentations.

Classes watched and discussed documentaries, created PowerPoint presentations through the Media Center, and attended a lecture by Dr. John Gitlitz, a professor of political science at SUNY Purchase.

“We want the students to appreciate other cultures and to foster Latin pride, especially when our village is such a melting pot,” explained fifth-grade team leader Joyce Pezzola. “Having been exposed to Latin foods, now the kids want to introduce their own families to it.”

Indeed, giving them a taste of every aspect of Latin American culture, the entire grade also dined at various restaurants in Mamaroneck to experience Latin dishes.

 

“We want the students to appreciate other cultures and to foster Latin pride, especially when our village is such a melting pot.”

— Fifth-grade team leader Joyce Pezzola

 

The week culminated with a celebration of Latino music and dance, sponsored by the PTSA, for kids and their parents. Surcari, a three-piece band, performed a blend of traditional songs in Spanish, based on the musical styles and traditions of the Andes, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America, and Spain. They had the students play authentic percussion instruments, from maracas to “chajchas,” made with goats’ toenails. Dancing and singing along, they all enjoyed the fiesta.