This week, Mrs. Zachos' 3rd grade class took part in a live video conference with a class in the Petén, a rainforest region in Guatemala, through Creative Connections "Rainforest Art Link" program.
The students and Mrs. Zachos have dedicated a lot of time to this project, and it was extremely rewarding for them to finally meet their global classmates in Guatemala.
Facilitated by Mr. Miguel Barreto, Program Director for Creative Connections, partner classes create and exchange art. Students then examine the art, gaining new insights into both their own and their partner's culture. Given the rainforest location of the partnerships, the dialogue focuses on the vital connection between environment and culture.
Rainforest ArtLink reinforces classroom instruction in social studies, Spanish language, science and the arts. Additionally, students build bridges with their peers, which promotes global competency and greater cultural understanding.
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