Woodglen Elementary School PTA’s Multicultural Fair Entertains and Teaches Children

BY BARRY WARNER

New City-A multicultural fair took place recently at Woodglen Elemenatry. Countries represented included England, Italy, Israel, Ireland, South Korea, Cuba and Columbia.

Children crisscrossed the gym inspecting poster displays, trying on traditional costumes, learning about special foods and filling out questionnaires. For instance, students learned that Columbia is a Spanish-speaking country, it is located in NW South America, its named after Christopher Columbus, the capital is Bogata, it exports coffee plus some favorite foods are arepas (corn cakes) and natillas (a custard dish).

Parent coordinator Rinat Arbel said, “This fair teaches our children about the heritage and cultures in our community. It is run by parent volunteers who organize the activities, as well as represent the different countries they are associated with. Over the years, activities included collecting fun facts about each country, collecting stickers on ‘passports’, completing crossword puzzles and doing a capital match.”