Since May was multicultural month, my class was assigned to create projects whereby they could examine the cultures of other countries. We used a series of books called Fiesta: A Portrait of the Country Through Festivals and Traditions." We checked these books out from our school's library. These books are a wonderful resource and I would highly reccommend their use in the classroom. Each book is an easy read that is fully dedicated to one country and it's culture. It portays a map of the country, its people, language, religion, festivals, ceremonies, music, costumes, some simple recipes, and art activities. Each student was assigned a country to research and report on. The students were encouraged to use other sources for information on their assigned country's government, economy, and education. They were given guidelines whereby they were to use tri-boards for their displays. Our major emphasis was on countries and cultures of Asia, with other cultures being portrayed as well. We worked on these projects for approximately two weeks inside and outside of class. During the last week of May, we put on a Multicultural Fair whereby each student presented his/her project along with colorful cotumes, artful displays, and delectable dishes that were either home-made (using recipes from the books) and/or purchased from a stores or restuarants. Some students brought in recorded music while some others brought in instruments on which they played their country's national anthem or some other related song. One student whose mother is from South Korea brought in pictures and related stories that had been told to her by her mother. We had a wondeerful time and learned so much about other cultures during our "classroom trip around the world."

I agree! I wish I had time to teach my students that way. But my 6th graders tend to have a 4th grade reading level. I have read Family and Botchan (though I remember Family much better. It had a great impact on me, and I remember crying a ton!). But what grade level do you teach? I was wondering if there was a way I could implement such a thing in my school, perhaps we could use our money to purchase the reading books.

What would you recommend for sixth graders? Or younger?

Thanks!

I'm in the process of reading a book eniled "The China Study" by T. Colin Campbell, PHD and Thomas M. Campbell 11. The book contains startling implications for diet, weight loss and long-term health. It describes a largely detailed survey of diet and death rates from cancer in more than 2,400, mostly rural Chinese counties and monumental efforts to explore its significance and implications for nutrition and health. The authors of the book, a father and son team, study the relationship between diet and disease. Considering the problem with the health and weight of our youth today, along with the disastrous results of eating disorders, we are in need of immediate intervention. Americans spend a lot of money on health care, still two thirds of Americans are overweight, and more than 15 million Americans have diabetes. One third of the children in this country are overweight, and kids are being diagnosed with a form of diabetes that was only seen in adults. Also, children are taking more prescription drugs than ever. The media has even gotten involved in appealing to the public for awareness and attention.

The China Study dispels many health myths and misinformation by comparing Chinese and American dietary intakes. How does the plant rich diet of rural Chinese compare with the animal rich diet of Americans and with what results? Can we learn from the Chinese how to change our diets, thus increasing our health benefits?

Chapter four of the book is entitled Lessons From China. It tells how in the early 1970's when the premier of China was dying of cancer, he initiated a nationwide survey to collect information about twelve different kinds of cancer. The result of the survey was that cancer was geographically localized. A question that we could pose to our students for discussion and debate is "Might it be that cancer is largely due to environmental/lifestyle factors, and not genetics? While this question is relevant and makes for an interesting discussion, it requires some higher level thinking skills. For younger students we would probably want to focus more on Chapter 12 which is simply entitled "How to Eat." In this chapter we're encouraged to eat lots of fruits,vegetables, legumes, nuts and whole grains, while minimizeing refined carbohydrates, added vegetable oils, and fish. This plant rich diet requires that we avoid meat, poultry, dairy, and eggs. This represents a drastic change in diet for most people and many will refuse it all together, but according to this book and the China Study, there is a definite relationship between health and diet. In order to improve our health, we need to improve our diet. We would do well to at least consider The China Study in all seriousness.