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The key to a culturally responsive classroom, is not only acknowledging the diversity present, but also celebrating and honoring it. While teaching first grade, I taught a science unit which explored the growth and needs of different plants. As a final experience, I led the students through a 10 minute presentation of the different National Flowers represented in our classroom. My students learned basic information about the Dahlia of Mexico, the Ceibo tree from Argentina, Tulips from Turkey, the Sharon Rose of South Korea, the symbolic Lotus of India, and the Rose of America. Creating this presentation, was in itself, a valuable experience for me. As I researched each nation, I began to learn about each individual culture. This presentation showed my students my investment in them as young people, it enhanced learning by introducing an atypical science focus, and it generated a tremendous sense of pride. When each new flower was presented, the students from that culture or country would beam with excitement. Some were so exhilarated that they couldn't stop themselves from jumping up and telling their peers everything they knew about their home countries and native cultures.
National Flowers Around the World By: Mr. C
Rose of Sharon • The national flower of South Korea • Also called Mugunghwa ; immortal flower • Blooms in late summer through mid autumn.
The Dahlia • The National Flower of Mexico • Native to the mountains of Mexico • Blooms in summer and autumn
The Tulip • The Tulip is the National Flower of Turkey • The botanical name, Tulipa, came from Turkish language • Tulips bloom in the Spring, and can be grown in most gardens
The Ceibo • The National Flower of Argentina • It is a flowering tree native to South America • In English, it is often called the Cockspur Coral Tree • It became the national flower of Argentina in 1942.
The Lotus • The National flower of India • The Lotus is very symbolic in Indian culture • It grows in fresh water ponds and lakes • Is thought of as one of the worlds most beautiful flowers by poets everywhere.
The Rose • The National Flower of America, and State Flower of New York • The petals of the Rose are edible, and have been used in medicine • Roses come in lots of colors. Each color has a different meaning