At this year's Grade 2 and Grade 3 Geo Fair at SHSID, each classroom was transformed into a colorful global experience hall, leading the children to embark on a unique journey of world culture. The students wandered through the theme exhibition areas of different classes, exploring the customs of various countries, appreciating diverse folk traditions, confidently displaying their learning achievements, broadening their horizons, and perceiving the world through immersive experiences. The entire event was filled with curiosity, laughter, and gains.

The Grade 2 Geo Fair transformed our classrooms into a vibrant celebration of cultures from across the globe. Students traveled from room to room, exploring different countries, learning about traditions, and proudly showcasing their triarama projects. The event was filled with energy, curiosity, and excitement as students experienced the world in a hands-on and meaningful way.

Each classroom offered a unique cultural experience. In Turkey, students stepped into a colorful setting filled with rugs and hot air balloon decorations. A lively Turkish ice cream seller kept everyone entertained, while students sampled traditional Turkish delight.

Kenya brought the beauty of African wildlife into the classroom with animal cut-outs, themed decorations, and food that helped students connect learning to real-world experiences.

The India classroom was full of activity, where a parent volunteer led traditional dancing. Students also enjoyed Indian snacks, admired decorative carpets, created elephant-themed art, and received henna tattoos, making it one of the most interactive experiences of the day.

New Zealand showcased national pride with All Blacks rugby jerseys and delicious sausage rolls, while Germany recreated an Oktoberfest atmosphere with long tables and traditional German food, encouraging students to experience culture through both environment and taste.

In Vanuatu, students enjoyed a tropical setting with fresh fruit and coconut water and had the special opportunity to learn from a guest from Vanuatu, adding authenticity and depth to their experience.

Belgium added a playful element to the fair with a cornhole game, where students could win prizes while engaging with the culture in a fun and memorable way.

The Philippines classroom brought a festive atmosphere with a lively fiesta celebration. Students explored Filipino culture through a colorful fruit cart display and enjoyed traditional foods such as lumpia and pansit, giving them a taste of the  rich local culinary culture.

Grade 3 classrooms were transformed into eight different countries, bringing both education and a sense of magic into our social studies curriculum. Each class created an immersive experience that allowed students to explore the world in meaningful and memorable ways.

In 3(1), students traveled to France, where they learned about famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, explored French art and cuisine, and discovered the country's rich cultural traditions. In 3(2), Belgium came alive through its famous chocolates and waffles, beautiful medieval cities, and an exploration of its history and culture.

3(3) highlighted Peru, where students explored ancient Incan history, the Andes Mountains, and the significance of Machu Picchu. In 3(4), Thailand's unique culture was showcased through its beautiful temples, traditions, and delicious cuisine.

Students in 3(5) brought Brazil to life with lively discussions about the Amazon Rainforest, Carnival, and diverse wildlife. In 3(6), Switzerland was explored through its stunning landscapes, famous mountains, and well-known traditions.

3(7) focused on Greece, where students learned about ancient mythology, historic landmarks, and early contributions to civilization. Finally, 3(8) explored the Netherlands, highlighting its canals, windmills, and unique geography below sea level.

Instead of passively listening to lectures, the students intuitively felt the customs and cultural essence of various parts of the world through seeing, touching, tasting, and playing. This cross-grade global cultural journey allowed the children to broaden their horizons through practice and gain knowledge through experience. During this fair, the children confidently displayed their works, thought actively, and communicated enthusiastically. Such vivid and interesting experiential learning not only makes social studies knowledge vivid and perceptible but also sows the seeds of respecting differences and embracing diversity in the children's hearts, cultivates their broad international perspective, and establishes the awareness of becoming qualified global citizens.

(Written by Yu Lin, Jiahui Wen, Ronan Kelly, Courtney Templeton

Pictures by Siying Li, Homeroom Teachers

Reviewed by Ms. Zhang Yi, Shiyu Wu,  Hannah Kloeber)