Greetings! We are excited to introduce our first issue of the Ethnic Arts & Facts newsletter! Our goal is to share information and resources that can be used in the classroom. To that end, every quarter we will release a new newsletter with ethnic facts, a lesson idea, and news bits from around the world. Thank you for your interest and support of world cultures and traditions!
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Featured Facts and Resources
Crisis in KenyaThe recent Kenya elections has sparked protests and violence. It is widely believed that ethnic tension between the Kikuyu and Luo groups underlie most of the violence. Supporters of candidate Raila Odinga (Luo) claims that last month's election was rigged in favor of President Mwai Kibaki (Kikuyu). Reports state that there have been some 600 deaths nationwide and 250,000 people have fled their homes.
Visit these selected sites for more news information:
BBCNPRNew York TimesWhat Can You Do To Help?Visit
Expanding Opportunities and donate money today to help refugees.
Expanding Opportunities is a non-profit organization dedicated to expanding educational and societal opportunities for people nationally and internationally. Their projects in Kenya include helping orphans and refugees.
Help the
International Medical Corp's Kenya team to bring timely medical services to people displaced by the violence. The International Medical Corps is a global, humanitarian, nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives and relieving suffering through health care training and relief and development programs.
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Educational Website PicksLearn how to use the Chinese AbacusThis site will teach visitors how to use the Chinese Abacus, an Ancient Chinese counting tool. Be sure to check out the Virtual Abacus! Visit our website to purchase a China Kit that includes artifacts from China, or to purchase an Abacus.
Mexico for KidsThis site produced by the Presidency of the Republic of Mexico can be read in English, Spanish, Italian and French! Designed for elementary students, this site takes visitors on an educational and fun journey learning about the history, people, government and biodiversity of Mexico.
The
Minority Rights Group International, an organization that works to secure the rights of ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities and indigenous peoples worldwide, released the publication, State of the World's Minorities 2007.
Top 5 minorities under threat:
1. Somalia: Darood, Hawiye, Issaq and other clans; Bantu and other groups
2. Iraq: Shia, Sunnis, Kurds, Turkomans, Christians; smaller minorities
3. Sudan: Fur, Zaghawa, Massalit and others in Darfur; Dinka, Nuer and others in the South; Nuba, Beja
4. Afghanistan: Hazara, Pashtun, Tajiks, Uzbeks
5. Burma/Myanmar: Kachin, Karenni, Karen, Mons, Rohingyas, Shan, Chin (Zomis), Wa
(State of the World's Minorities 2007, pg. 11- go to
http://minorityrights.org/ for a complete listing)
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What's New?World Music KitBring a world of music into your classroom! This kit contains 10 instruments from around the globe that may be played and used as a tool to teach students the role of music in cultures.
New Website Design!Have you surfed to our website lately? We have a brand new look! You can easily purchase kits, books, and CDs directly from our website. Be sure to check out the
Library section for resource links!!!
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Classroom Activity Idea: Create a RetabloBackground-As a folk art, Peruvians use hallowed gourds or boxes made of wood or cardboard and create daily life or religious scenes using clay and paint. Retablos were created centuries ago when the Spanish arrived in South America. Originally, biblical scenes were displayed in the retablos and were used for worship or as a religious token. Missionaries would use the retablos in their efforts to teach the indigenous people about Christianity. Over time, it has become a distinctive Peruvian
art form.
Materials:-shoe box
-paintable modeling clay (choose a clay that can harden without using a kiln)*
-paint
glue or putty
Directions:1. Discuss the background information about the retablo. If available, show students actual retablos.
2. Ask students to think about an idea for their own retablo. It could be a memorable event such as a holiday or birthday, a favorite place visited, or an activity like playing soccer. Have students draw their idea on paper. Remind students that the drawing will serve as a model for their retablo, so the images should be simple.
3. Using the modeling clay, form the objects to be placed in the retablo. Allow at least 24 hours for the clay to dry. Once dried, paint the figures.
4. Paint and decorate the outside and inside of the shoe box. Allow the box to dry thoroughly.
5. Build the retablo working from the back to the front. Larger objects should be placed with glue or putty in the back and smaller objects should be placed closest to the front of the box opening.
6. Ask students to present their retablo with the class.
*Instead of modeling clay, students could use miniature objects that are already made. These may be purchased in craft stores.
To purchase retablos or see other cultural lesson plans and resources, visit our
website.
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Thank you for your interest and support!
--Leilani and Aaron, Ethnic Arts & Facts
