With the closing of our first unit on Personal narratives, we were capable to have a celebration. The children earned awards, and got food, and games. We had parents visit, and an all around good time.
I would like to thank these children for completing their AR Goals:
Hannah Li
Adam Li
Maggie Lyu
Max Shi.
These student will have the chance to enjoy a lunch at our PTA Cafe on a day of their choice. (That I am not on Duty). If they pay the extra dojo points, they can invite their friend as well!
I am including copies of the children’s completed books below.
BIBA Grade 3’s Cultural Immersion at the Ethnic Park Embracing Diversity: The BIBA Grade 3 Journey Through the Ethnic Park By Mr. Frank Farooq
At Beijing International Bilingual Academy (BIBA), our mission extends beyond the classroom. We aim to cultivate informed and empathetic global citizens prepared to represent our values in every corner of the world. This mission was vividly realized during the Grade 3 field trip to the Ethnic Park. This venture expanded our students’ understanding of cultural diversity and reinforced their roles as ambassadors of BIBA’s ethos.
Destination: A Learning Oasis Choosing the Ethnic Park was a deliberate decision, aligning with our goal to immerse our students in an environment that celebrates the cultural richness of various ethnic groups. This park, a microcosm of global diversity, provided the perfect backdrop for our students to explore, learn, and embody the BIBA spirit of inclusivity and respect for all cultures.
The Cultural Scavenger Hunt: A Pathway to Understanding Central to this journey was a thoughtfully designed scavenger hunt, aligning with BIBA’s belief in active, immersive learning experiences. Students, accompanied by their teachers and parents, embarked on this quest as participants and explorers eager to uncover the stories and traditions of China’s 56 ethnic minorities. This activity was a dynamic illustration of learning through engagement, highlighting the diverse tapestry of cultures that shape our global community.
A United Effort: BIBA in Action The entire Grade 3 cohort participated in this journey, including homeroom teachers, ELD teachers, specialists, Chinese teachers, and enthusiastic volunteer parents. Each participant was pivotal in fostering a learning environment beyond traditional boundaries, emphasizing teamwork, community, and the shared goal of representing BIBA’s core values.
Activities: A Testament to BIBA’s Values Throughout the trip, our students engaged in activities that enriched their cultural understanding and served the community. By cleaning up the park, they put into practice the lessons of respect, responsibility, and care for the environment, demonstrating to visitors the principles that guide us at BIBA. These actions represented BIBA in the broader community, earning admiration and setting a commendable example of proactive citizenship.
Acknowledgments: A Community of Support Our heartfelt appreciation goes out to everyone who contributed to the success of this enriching experience, especially our principal, UES office staff, bus drivers, and the dedicated BIBA staff. Their unwavering support and commitment ensured a safe and productive outing, exemplifying the strong sense of community that BIBA prides itself on. A Unified Voice: Our Song of Identity A memorable highlight of the trip was the spontaneous chorus of our BIBA song, an anthem that binds us together and reminds us of our collective identity.
Everywhere we go, People always ask us, Who we are. And where we come from. So, we tell them, We’re from BIBA, Mighty, mighty BIBA, Mighty, mighty BIBA. And if they can’t hear us, We shout a little louder.
This song, sung with pride and unity, underscored our presence as BIBA representatives, spreading a message of joy, inclusivity, and community spirit wherever we go.
Grade 3 Learning Outcomes from the Ethnic Park Field Trip: Standard 4: Cultural and Intellectual Developments Among Societies 4.5.a. Students compared and contrasted the cultural characteristics of different regions and people, enriching their understanding of global diversity. 4.5.b. They explored how different cultures meet human needs and concerns, appreciating the variety of solutions societies develop. Standard 5: Social Systems and Structures’ Influence on Individuals 5.5.c. The trip allowed students to compare how groups and cultures are similar and different in addressing the needs and concerns of their members, fostering a sense of empathy and global connection. 5.5.e. Students identified and described ways ethnicity and culture influence people’s daily lives, gaining insights into the impact of cultural heritage on everyday experiences.
Looking Ahead: The BIBA Journey Continues The field trip to the Ethnic Park was a vivid illustration of how BIBA students carry the banner of our values into the world, embracing diversity and actively contributing to the communities they engage with. This experience has broadened our students’ horizons and reaffirmed their roles as ambassadors of the BIBA spirit, ready to make their mark as globally aware individuals who cherish diversity and strive for a positive impact in every endeavor.
Written by: Grade 3 Class C, Frank Farooq, Homeroom Teacher, M.Ed.
Special Thanks to Chad Baldwin for his invaluable contributions and support.
This morning, Day B, I had the opportunity to talk briefly with the student who had been on time. I was able to discuss some of the news from this week with them, and feel it is a busy enough week for us to write about here.
Monday:
Today four volunteer students and I practice some Irish dancing in the basketball court. I truly appreciate the help in this from them. I know they enjoyed it, but also Irish Dancing is not easy and requires a very high level of energy that I was having a hard time keeping up with. I am so glad they were able to.
Tuesday:
The Leopard store opens up tomorrow, and so I will probably be giving out the last of my leopard cards in the morning. This store opens only once a month, the children can spend their Leopard cards that they earned through the month on things they wish to own.
Children earn these leopard cards by following the 4 Rs of BIBA, (Rigor, Respect, Responsibility, and Relationships)
Tuesday will also be the day that my volunteers and I video about Ireland. Some will video the dancing, some will be asked to video what they learned in the classes or through their individual research.
Tuesday we will also be using a class to begin our Research into Natural Disasters. as that is what we will be showcasing during the Biba Science Fair in April.
Wednesday:
This is the last day student can use to finish their Ireland Brochures. They have been writing and sending me pictures to put on their brochures. Thursday I will be printing them, but I will also post them here for you to see.
We also have a Maths Practice test on Wednesday. Of course a practice will be sent home.
Thursday:
I will be printing up the students work and final Brochures, we will be putting final posters on the walls for International Day and finishing up all student work that needs to be put up to showcase Ireland. I will also be letting the children view their video that they recorded on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Thursday is also a Maths Test. Our final test for geometry.
Thursday we will have our second class on Natural Disasters. We will be learning about Hurricanes and how they are dangerous. We will also learn about how to help people who are victims of hurricanes, and other wind storms.
We will finally get to meet our new student in 3B and welcome him to the class. Lucas will finally be able to join us. We are all looking forward to meeting you.
Friday: International Day
There are so many things happening on this day it is hard to explain. first there will be presentations, performances and parades. Then we will learn about the international community living on Antarctica, and how they survive and meld together. Then we will have the chance to try food from around the world We will have our International Day Tug of War contest, to see which country comes out the strongest. In the afternoon we will be traveling to different classrooms representing different countries from every continent on the world.
Spring Break:
Immediately after the International Day festival, we will have 11 days of no school for Easter, Qing Ming, and Spring break all rolled into one. Classes will begin again on Wednesday April 10th.
Mr. Chad's class Blog 