Friendships at Crabapple Lane Elementary extend beyond the classroom, they stretch around the world. Students in Kari Nguyen’s 5th grade enrichment class engaged in an exchange with a class in South Korea to learn more about each other’s culture.
The connection was forged around Nguyen’s belief that learning about other cultures is one of the best ways for students to develop a respect for diversity. After traveling to South Korea in 2019 and falling in love with the culture, she knew she wanted her students to experience such an amazing place. She joined an online e-pal group where she connected with Jihye Kim from Sejong, South Korea.
Nguyen’s students sent a care package full of American goodies and traditional games to their new pen pals and received gifts in return.
Through letters and Flipgrid conversations, the students learned that, in many ways, they are just like each other. They also were able to learn and appreciate ways in which they are different, like in the games they play. The Crabapple Lane students received several traditional Korean games to play.
“I hope my students will learn to appreciate diversity and culture,” said Nguyen. “The world is much bigger than just Peachtree City, and I hope our cultural exchange sparked a love of learning, not just for Korean culture, but also any culture that interests them.”
Posted 5/24/2022
