Each year in late January, Challenger preschoolers and kindergartners learn about people in different countries during Small World Days. They fill out their very own passports as they “travel” to different places. They sing songs and learn dances from other cultures. They sample foods that are associated with other nations of the world. Sometimes, parents visit classrooms to share cultural information or traditions. It is a unique opportunity for students to learn about their heritage and the heritages of their classmates.
This special curriculum segment culminates at the end of the week, when students get to dress up in traditional clothing associated with a country they’ve been studying and celebrate what they’ve learned.