Multicultural Lessons for DCS Montessori
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Leana Kerr, DCS Montessori
From Left to Right: Beckett Leon, Stella Thomas, parent Erwin Morales, Gabriella Alviz, Grayson Olzak and Hudson Gates bonded together as global citizens during their savory lumpia culinary lesson.
Mabuhay, or Welcome in Filipino, was one word among the cultural lessons the lower elementary classroom of DCS Montessori (DCSM) learned during their Asia Continent studies.
Utilizing Douglas County Libraries – Castle Pines media center, students immersed themselves in a global lesson. Students practiced counting to ten in Chinese Mandarin, Japanese and Filipino as well as studied the animals and plants of Asia. The lesson concluded with the year’s first recipes from around the world segment featuring the Philippines. This lesson not only provided the students an opportunity to cook and taste cuisine from the
The white equilateral triangle symbolizes liberty, equality and fraternity; the horizontal blue stripe for peace, truth, and justice; and the horizontal red stripe for patriotism and valor. Ms. Kerr and Ms. Emily’s students proudly hold the flag in honor of their fellow Filipino classmate. Pictured left to right: Torin Weller, Zoey Berger, Adeline Razem, Emmie Ken and Kara Lauer. Bottom left to right: James Hershman and Damian Stebbins.
Philippines, it allowed them to explore the diverse backgrounds of their peers living in another country preparing them to be global citizens of the world.
As part of an annual curriculum, DCSM recipes from around the world segment allowed students an opportunity to prepare and taste cuisines from a variety of cultures, exposing the students to new tastes while instilling practical life skills in the kitchen.
During their multicultural lesson, the students learned to make fresh lumpia, one type of spring roll commonly eaten in Indonesia and the Philippines. Lumpia is made with thin paper-like pastry with savory or sweet fillings, like an egg roll. They are often served as an appetizer or snack and can be served deep fried or fresh.
Student Grayson Olzak said he was not sure if he would like the egg rolls but ended up loving them – especially dipped in the sweet chili sauce.
