As technology makes the world smaller by developing apps like Skype to make communication across continents possible, softwares like Rosetta Stone to make learning a new language with just a computer, and digital maps like Google Maps to see places virtually. This technological evolution also makes competition in the real world tougher. We need to prepare students to be globally competitive in this increasingly complex and evolving world.
In third grade, students are encouraged to respect other people’s beliefs, opinion, and culture. They experienced talking to other third graders in other states and country via Skype. The books read in class introduced them to different children with different socio-economic status. They were taught to write their opinion on things that matter to them. They were given a chance to listen to other kids’ opinion and to how to give their feedback respectfully. All these things help them see the world, beyond our classroom walls. However, we don’t just want them to be globally competitive. We also want them to be locally engaged.
|
|
This week, third grade students learned more about our local government. Who else would better teach the kids about our local government than our mayor himself? The class took a trip to the mayor’s office in downtown Anchorage. Mayor Ethan Berkowitz has lived in Anchorage since 1990. He has been the mayor of Anchorage since 2015. During the visit, students asked the mayor questions about local attractions in Anchorage. They wanted to know how we can persuade people to come visit Alaska. They asked him what he has been doing to help the homeless and help lessen the crimes in the city. They were also very interested in learning more about the mayor so they asked him personal questions pertaining to his favorite sport, where his kids go to school and which restaurants he goes to.
|
The most important question asked by one of the students was “How can a third grader help the community?” Mayor responded eloquently, he explained to the kids that our city will become what they want it to be, depending on the choices they make. They can start by being kind to their friends and by not leaving trash on the street. The kids learned more about what comprised the local government and most of all, they learned that our mayor is just within reach.
Third graders also went to Alaska Native Heritage Center to learn about the Alaskan people and culture. As important as it is to teacher students about other cultures, they also have to celebrate their own culture. Being Alaskan kids, learning about Alaskan culture does not only give them the opportunity to understand and celebrate where they live but it also gives them a cultural base that they can take with them as they grow up in a diverse country.
Culture plays an important role in shaping our principles and beliefs. Hearing about Alaska’s rich history, its different languages, and ways of living help us discover new things and realize Alaska’s uniqueness. As these third graders learn to appreciate Alaska’s beauty, its wilderness and rich culture, they have also begun to build a sense of pride.