Branch Families,
Hello! ¡Hola! Kon’nichiwa! Bonjour! Namaste!
What a unique and adventurous month we had exploring different parts of the world! From taste-testing new foods to creating cultural art masterpieces, the Branchers stayed busy discovering, learning, and enjoying every moment of our global journey.
First stop: MEXICO!
Spanish is the language spoken in Mexico, so the Branchers were excited to discover they already knew some! Whether counting to 10, singing our ‘Thank You’ song, or simply saying hello, our Branchers spoke Spanish every day. We also learned about the monarch butterfly migration—what it means to migrate and why flowers are so vital to butterflies as they gather nectar during their long journey south. Along the way, we discovered that Mexico’s culture is full of vibrant colors, meaningful celebrations, and Delicious food. Mexico did not disappoint!
Next stop: FRANCE!
Here, we enjoyed learning about the Eiffel Tower, celebrating Bastille Day, and practicing French. We learned about Bastille Day as a holiday and how, in France, they light fireworks from the Eiffel Tower. For art, we created Eiffel Tower cut-outs and added glitter fireworks. They turned out spectacular and beautiful, just like the real thing!
Pack your bags; we’re off to ENGLAND!
Our trip to England was filled with fascinating history and architecture. One of the most intriguing landmarks we learned about was the Elizabeth Tower, also known as the Clock Tower, which houses the famous bell called Big Ben.
We also explored various transportation modes in busy cities, with double-decker buses being a favorite! Art projects included clock towers with moving hands, buses with spinning wheels, and iconic red telephone booths—complete with photos of the Branchers inside.
And of course, no trip to England would be complete without a decaf tea taste test. What a sweet way to end our visit!
Hello: INDIA!
Although this stop was brief, it was filled with excitement and wonder. The Branchers were amazed by the Taj Mahal and its beautiful marble design. We also learned about Indian spices while reading Sarah Thomas’s Kalamata’s Kitchen. The Branchers discovered that “tempering” spices helps bring out their flavor. Using cinnamon, turmeric, curry powder, and paprika, they created scented spice art. We wrapped up our visit by learning about Holi, a celebration of spring, love, and friendship. Since people wear white and throw colorful powder during Holi, we celebrated in our classroom by decorating white name tags with chalk.
Last stop: JAPAN!
Our final destination was Japan, where we explored traditions, holidays, and food. We learned about Kodomo No Hi (Children’s Day), a special holiday that celebrates each child’s happiness, strengths, and accomplishments.
To honor this tradition, we made our own koinobori (carp kites), also known as fish flags. We also explored Japanese cuisine—especially sushi! The Branchers bravely tried dried seaweed and veggie sushi rolls. While it was definitely an acquired taste, they loved the challenge of using chopsticks!
Our trip to Japan was informative, eye-opening, and a wonderful way to wrap up our world adventure.
As we pack our bags and head back home, February will surely be another fun month for us in the Branch classroom as we learn, discuss, and discover teeth and dental care! Did you know that February is National Children’s Dental Health Month? The dental study is going to be nothing but impressive! Let the learning begin!
Miss Gracen & Miss Heather
