Our Lady of Lourdes students explore family heritage

Friday, Mar. 18, 2016

SALT LAKE CITY — During the past several months, students in Our Lady of Lourdes School’s kindergarten class have been learning about their family heritage and what makes them unique.

“I love teaching this topic to my students. Our country and our school have so much diversity,” says Mrs. Kambouris, Lourdes kindergarten teacher. “It’s a wonderful way for each student to see they are all unique, special and should be proud of who they are.”

To begin their study on heritage, Mrs. Kambouris started by reading to her students The Yawn that Went Around the World, a book by Caroline Deloreto, and discussed the importance of learning about where they come from. 

They then used the globe to talk about the world and the locations of different countries and regions, as well as discussed language, food, customs, religion and history.  

Students then invited a parent or family member to participate in a “show and tell” of sorts in class. The student and their family members shared information about their heritage, including experiences, stories, artifacts and family recipes with the class. So far, the students have learned about the heritage and cultures from Greece, the Philippines, South Sudan, France, England, Ireland, Native Americans and Mexico.  

“I liked telling everyone about the countries I come from,” said kindergarten student Aiden Springer. “I loved eating the different cookies, learning Greek words, and getting chopsticks to take home.” 

Presenting “My Family Heritage” to their classmates, these young learners gained confidence by sharing in front of others. In addition, it allowed their families to be involved. The resources the families provided were invaluable in helping to offer knowledge and experiences that fostered the students learning. Family participation in the classroom helps to build an early sense of community within the grade.

By getting to know their heritage, Our Lady of Lourdes kindergarten students learned that who they are and where they are from is a gift from the past to be explored and shared. It has taught them to celebrate the one thing they all have in common – their differences and accept others just as Jesus did: “Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” (Romans 15:7)

Courtesy of Our Lady of Lourdes School