Kelso Elementary School pulled out all the stops on Wednesday, June 3 for its International Day Open House event.

Students and their families were issued passports to travel to classrooms representing 20 different countries. In each room, visitors learned about the geography, economy, political structure, culture and history of the adopted country and were treated to dance performances, authentic music, food and more.

The open house also gave visitors an opportunity to witness the implementation of Common Core State Standards at Kelso.

Students used classroom technology, the library and primary sources to research their countries. They collaborated to share their knowledge and express their critical thinking in creative ways.

In Room 4, Miss Kelly Iwamoto’s fourth-grade students demonstrated their knowledge of Brazil by displaying artwork in the style of Brazilian painter and sculptor Romero Britto, presenting projects about deforestation and the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, and performing a lively Samba dance while dressed in traditional costumes.

Kindergardeners in Ms. Albrecht’s class showed off their reading skills to visitors and delighted in sharing how they learned to churn butter while learning about the Netherlands.

Meanwhile, in Room 21, Ms. Heidi Ligrando was busy offering visitors food from her native Philippines – spring rolls, clover chips and mango, a national symbol.

In other classrooms, students displayed candles and artwork to represent the Mexican holiday Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead); carefully painted cardboard rolls to resemble miniature models of Italy’s leaning tower of Pisa; and Peruvian rain sticks made from recycled water bottles and dried beans.

Student travelers were tasked with answering questions in their Passport about each country that required them to ask questions and think critically.

This annual event was huge success and a fun learning experience for all in attendance!