WHATELY — Whately Elementary School officials are bringing the world into the classroom.
Over the past semester, Union 38 Director of Elementary Education Louise Law has traveled between southern Franklin County schools and a private school in Visakhapatnam, a city on India’s eastern coast, acting as mediator to foster global connections between students in the two countries.
“Students there are very respectful of teachers. Whenever I walked into a classroom, they all stood up and said ‘good morning, madame,’” Law said Thursday to a group of about 50 local students inside the Whately Elementary School library, presenting on a recent trip last month to the Indian school.
Law noted she’s made identical presentations in all four district schools.
While in India, Law held teacher workshops on American teaching methods, participated in cultural and ceremonial practices, and brought gifts for students made by Union 38 district children.
“Look what they’re holding — those are the friendship bracelets that you made,” Law said, pointing to an image of Indian students wearing the gifts during a slideshow. “Thank you for reaching out in friendship to kids who are far away.”
“Sunderland Elementary School students made a video about a project they created about regions of the United States. Students in the Conway Grammar School made bracelets, and students in Deerfield classes wrote letters,” she said.
The presentation, meant to educate local students on Indian culture, highlighted educational, religious and cultural differences. Looking ahead, Law said she intends to set up a Skype session between the two schools, with the possibility of a joint science project next year.
“In these communities where there isn’t a lot of diversity it’s important for students to meet other students who look different, but have the same emotions and feelings,” Law said after the presentation.
“It’s about making sure our students have experiences with people from other cultures with different religious backgrounds, because the world is getting to be a small place,” said Principal Peter Crisafulli about the connection.
Law’s own connection with India began nine years ago when she lived abroad for a few months while her husband, an English teacher, taught a study abroad course. Over the years, she’s built a relationship with various education agencies across the country.
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