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Montessori Magnet School Hosts 200+ at Multicultural Fair
(Hartford, CT) In May, more than 200 families from the CREC Montessori Magnet School in Hartford attended the school’s Multicultural Fair. All students in Pre-K to Grade 6 were involved in the event. Each class selected a country, continent, or geographical area to study and exhibit, including North America, Japan, Australia, Jamaica, Brazil, Islands of the Caribbean, South America, Asia, Ireland, Mexico, and India. Students created maps, research papers, crafts, and Power Point presentations on the culture they studied and families contributed dishes from around the world.
This year’s event also featured Jo Salins, world renowned musical performer, and Katerina Valentin, experienced Latin dancer as guest speakers and special entertainers. Salins’ session featured a 20-minute workshop and 10-minute performance, followed by an open-jam session and a student performance. Valentin, who has 14 years of experience as a Latin dancer, performed two Puerto Rican folkloric dances, Bomba and Plena, culminating with a 20-minute Salsa dance lesson for all children and adults in attendance.
The Multicultural Fair is held semi-annually and gives students the opportunity to work individually and collaboratively to present their cultural learning to the broader Montessori community. Upon arrival, families received a map indicating the locations of various events, presentations, and exhibits. Students participated in a scavenger hunt that involved "hunting" for the answers to the questions among the many displays. The event culminated with a flash-mob performance of a Bollywood inspired dance.
“It was wonderful to see so many families attend and share their food, traditions and recognize our children's work," said Bella Lanza, parent of a second-grader.
The CREC Montessori Magnet School offers students ages 3-12 a traditional Montessori education. The Multicultural Fair fits into the school’s pedagogy and core themes, which focus on interdisciplinary and global connections, allowing students to learn at their own pace, and expanding student knowledge beyond the school environment into the greater classroom-the world.
