The Culture That Defines Me

Title of Project: The Culture That Defines Me

Schools and Teachers

Wantagh Middle School Teacher: Keldya Volpi

ENL Proficiency Level | ENL Program | Standards | Technology

Transitioning, Expanding | Stand-Alone | 7R7 7R4 8W6 | Storyboard That

Assessments

Formative & Summative: Both formative and summative assessments were used. Students answered discussion questions from on our google slides below. Students were also assessed on their storyboards as well as their presentation as they described their cultures.

Description

I introduced the lesson by prompting students to brainstorm what comes to mind when they think about culture. We then defined culture together and examined how culture comes from deep within a person and is connected to love. We dove into the different components of culture and what makes up our cultures and subcultures; such as music, language, art, family traditions, ancestors, marriage, and a variety of other aspects. Together we shared and discussed how our families follow some of these traditions and how they differ. We then analyzed pictures representing culture and customs from around the world. Students made connections, developed questions and made comparisons to many of the different American customs. Lastly, but not least, we analyzed how culture grows and develops in a variety of ways.

Content

I can compare and contrast text and media, and how it portrays a subject.

Language

I can determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are utilized to convey figurative and connotative meaning.

Technology

I can research information to answer self-generated questions while generating additional related questions.

Procedure/ Engagement

Students enjoyed this learning experience as they were able to look at their own cultures. They were intrigued as they listened to one another sharing their backgrounds and how they see a connection of love and culture. Students were engaged for the duration of this project, as they enjoyed creating and sharing their storyboard as a representation of their cultures. Students also looked into the surfaces of culture and how it’s connected to love on a variety of levels.

Resources and Other Materials

Google Slides: Discussion Questions and Directions
Slide Three: Global Oneness Project: The Language of Mutual Love
Slide Four: Culture Photo Gallery

Reflection

As I reflect on this project, I had the pleasure of observing my students come out of their shell as they proudly shared their customs/ traditions, music, and even the parts of their culture they found funny or “strange”. My students were engaged as they researched more information on their own countries. This gave them the opportunity to feel confident and proud of their culture as they shared their presentation with our class. This project had a positive impact on students learning, as they had the freedom to personalize the information as much as they felt necessary to represent their culture.

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