Find more celebration posts at Ruth’s blog.
Maasai-Jacob
Jacob lives far away from these Maasai boys, but Minga (my mother-in-law) and I tried to give my students a small understanding of the place we visited this summer, Tanzania, Africa.
My students anticipated Minga’s visit for weeks. Over the long Labor Day weekend, I compiled a sampling of our 1000 photos into a Google slide show. I also included videos. I brought in watermelon and cucumber because, in reality, we ate fresh fruits and vegetables every day in Tanzania. We dressed the kids like Maasai. Minga talked about the discovery at Olduvai Gorge in the Ngorongoro crater of a new species of man Homo Habilis. The incredible long expanse of time is difficult to conceptualize, but she tried with a long rope. My sixth graders are studying this time period in their Social Studies class, a nice coincidence.
Mound at Oldupai Gorge where we can visibly see the layers of time.
I had a surprise for my students…pen pals. When we visited Endoro School in Karatu, our guide suggested that I get the names of the children who surrounded me. I showed this picture and they proceeded to “claim” pen pals.
Visiting with school girls
My students’ pen pal letters are as varied as they are. Erin sat at the computer and translated her “high-level” words into Kiswahili. At my suggestion, she made a key at the bottom of the page to help teach her pen pal the words in English.
Emily wanted to share her art talent and decided to do a silhouette drawing of an acacia tree with a girl reading.
Girl reading under acacia tree by Emily, 6th grade.
Here is Madison’s letter that is just so Madison!
Reflections on the Teche 
Amazing! How great for the pen pals on both continents. Opening Windows to such different ways of life, finding things in common. That acacia tree drawing is so fabulous. Madison’s personality does shine through. And Jacob looks happy as a Masai.
What a meaningful and authentic way for your students to learn about Africa! Thank you for sharing!!
Such good connections your students are able to make and in such a personal way…
This will be so special all the year, Margaret. I love the idea of the rope that your mother-in-law used. There is a “cut” close into the mountains where we can see the layers, a great trip for students here. Love that picture!
Oh my gosh! The kid’s reactions to your trip are amazing. Such joy. What a wonderful thing you brought home and send back to Africa.
Such great learning – so real and authentic for the students on both continents! You definitely should be celebrating this masterful teaching, Margaret! ❤
So fabulous, Margaret – you are building a community this way, bravo! Love Emily’s picture so much, too.
Great post
Your smile is the best!
Powerful photos, words, art–all together shows the wonderful you work in celebrating life, art, writing, culture, community, and humanity. Wow!
Oh my gosh! What a wonderful experience for you and for your students. These are relationships that will last a lifetime. What a beautiful celebration!
What a wonderful way to make such a big world seem so much smaller. This is one of those experiences that your students will ALWAYS remember!
That picture of Emily’s is fantastic! I love how you brought their worlds together.
I love hearing about your travels and how your students responded. Their background knowledge of a diverse culture is surely being enhanced. If you have a photo of your journey for Summerscapes please send it on.