Extensions:
Cultural Contributions
This activity identifies the various cultures that are present in the local community and gives
students the opportunity to learn more about those cultures first-hand. During class have the
students brainstorm and make a list of the people, businesses, religious institutions and other
organizations in the community that are representative of the different cultures in the community.
These may include restaurants; churches, temples or mosques; cultural societies; and stores
specializing in imported goods. Identify several of those organizations or businesses that
would give students a way to glimpse another culture, for example, a meal at an ethnic
restaurant, a service at a church or mosque, or a public cultural observance. Divide the
students into groups to participate in one of the activities or, if feasible, arrange to take the
whole class to each activity. Afterward have the students discuss what they learned. Ask for
volunteers to write articles for the school newspaper based on the students' experiences.
Pen Pals
If you live in a rural or suburban area with few immigrants, investigate the possibility of setting
up email pen pals for your students with immigrant students who live within your county or state.
Consider an end of the year get together or field trip to meet the pen pals and gain a more
personal connection. Contact your county or state regional ESOL office for contact information
of potential partner schools.
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