Project template: culture in a box – (good for 7-11 or mixed ages)
Summary
|
Schools will exchange by parcel post the ‘culture boxes’ containing ten items. By choosing the items to
put in, they will learn about
‘how others see us’. By
explaining their choices they will try to tell their partner school ‘how we see ourselves’.
|
First activity
|
Choose team(s) in each school that will find 10 items that represent their country. They will collect these
and send parcels to their partner schools (for expensive items, use cut-out pictures; or for large monuments use a photo or a model).
|
Exchange work
|
Students decide how to stir up interest and intrigue in their partner schools. They could create a quiz to see
if the items can be guessed before they arrive. Or they could create PowerPoints about
stereotypes. Or perhaps some helpful ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ – what to say and how to act when you see or use or eat the item! Useful references such as maps, websites.
|
Share responses
|
Photograph the box arriving and being opened. Were the guesses correct? Do the students know how to treat the objects? What did they expect and what was a surprise? (Use live discussion, an online forum, send postcards and cartoons)
|
Extension activities
|
• Writing an essay: the most surprising item
• Creating a presentation about the partner country(ies)
• Role play video clips set in the partner country
|
Useful resources
|
Ideas list: symbol, food item, famous building, coin or stamp, clothing, famous painting, piece of music, transport, anthem, saying, handcraft, figurine…
|
Joint Curriculum Project Notes
Project: Culture in a box (7-11 or mixed ages)
Aims and Outcomes: This project invites students to think about things that they believe represent their countries. They will then be given the opportunity to explore typical things about another country and therefore gain some insight into other peoples reality.
UK Curriculum links:
Art and design key stage 3
The ‘Culture in a box’ project fits in well with the key concepts of Citizenship at Key Stage 3.
1.3 Identities and diversity: living together in the UK
Appreciating that identities are complex, can change over time and are informed by different understandings of what it means to be a citizen in the UK.
Exploring the diverse national, regional, ethnic and religious cultures, groups and communities in the
UK and the connections between them.
Geography in key stage 3
This project also ties in with the key concept of Geography at Key Stage 3.
1.7 Cultural understanding and creativity
Appreciating the differences and similarities between people, places, environments and cultures to inform their understanding of societies and economies.
Personal, social, health and economic wellbeing key stage 3: Personal wellbeing
1.5 Diversity
Appreciating that, in our communities, there
are similarities as well as differences between people of different race,
religion, culture, ability or disability, gender, age or sexual orientation
Cross-curriculum dimensions:
The ‘Culture in a box’ project engages students in the following cross-curricular dimensions: Identity and diversity
Students develop their own sense of belonging and self-esteem. Students are given the opportunity to explore their own identities.
Global dimension and sustainable development
Students communicate with people from a range of countries and cultures and develop self- awareness and a positive attitude to difference.
If team work: collaborate with other learners through negotiation, modification and compromise. They are given the opportunity participate in global partnerships.
Personal, Learning and Thinking Skills:
The ‘Culture in the Box’ project helps learners develop the following PLTS areas:
Team workers: collaborate with others to work towards common goals and reach agreements. Creative thinkers: generate ideas and explore possibilities
Self-managers: work towards
goals, showing initiative, commitment and perseverance.
Key language:
Have got (we have got a famous monument called…) Types of buildings (temples, palaces, towers) Geographical features (lakes, mountains, desert) Typical foods (fish and chips, tacos, curry)
The English language used in the ‘Culture in a box’ project can be supported and extended through the following links from British Council’s Learning English website:
Superlative World quiz
