Eugene Ware students experience global holidays

By the time they have reached elementary school, most children are probably fully aware of all the Christmas traditions in the United States. What they may not know, however, is how Christmas is celebrated in other parts of the world. Teaching the holiday traditions of various countries is the goal for next week's "Christmas Around the World" project at Eugene Ware Elementary School.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, Eugene Ware third, fourth and fifth-grade students will "travel" to nine different countries - Australia, England, France, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway and Sweden - to learn about their geography and cultures, including how those countries celebrate Christmas.

"We will be trying to show how our culture has been formed by various cultures and their influences," fifth-grade teacher Glenda Miller said. "Each stop lasts 30 minutes and we have scheduled around reading blocks and special classes."

The educational projects will be constructed and conducted by the students, while teachers will also take part in the teaching of the international cultures.

"Some teachers dress up for their role and others bring in special items that are symbolic of their country," Miller said. "The students will have a passport which will be stamped at each destination and they will carry their luggage to bring back all the good memories."

Eugene Ware Principal Billie Jo Drake said she likes the project because it helps expand the students' knowledge of the world.

"It's a great thing," Drake said. "It lets the students relate to and get to know how people do things in other countries. It really broadens their horizons and they learn more than just United States' customs."

Miller said the student not only learn from the event, but they also enjoy all of the different aspects of the project.

"We have found this to be a very educational world tour," Miller said. "We have a lot of fun with this."

The "Christmas Around the World" project will conclude with the school's Christmas party in home rooms, Miller said.