Students did not have to pack. They did not have to drive to the airport. They did not have to get shots to be in a foreign country.
But students at Lincoln Trail Elementary traveled around the world Friday.
The Mahomet-Seymour PTO’s 23rd annual HANDS Around the World took third through fifth-grade students to countries all around the world to meet the people, learn about their culture or language and to do their dances.
Logistically, it’d be impossible to visit nine countries between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. But with 20-minute presentations guided by local residents who are from or have frequented a country, the students’ world is literally opened during the day-long event.
The 2018 HANDS governors, or presenters, decorated the 26 classrooms to resemble the colors and culture of one of the 24 countries Thursday night.
Fifth grade students learned about the Dominican Republic through a friendly fact-based baseball game. They also traveled to the Philippines as Matt and Angel Difanis shared a Filipino buffet of rice, noodles, sausages and desserts before encouraging each student to try the Tinikling Dance.
Third-grade students shared their giggles as they traveled through China, learning how to say, “Hello” and “Thank you.” Fourth-grade students enjoyed working with some of the 56 Mahomet-Seymour High School students who brought countries like Spain and France to life.
“Most of the high school students were Lincoln Trail students,” HANDS Director Jama Grotelueschen said. “It speaks volumes that they probably had a great experience as a Lincoln Trail student, and then they wanted to pay-it-forward.”
While Lincoln Trail parents often serve as the governors, other community members, whose children have moved on from Lincoln Trail and presenters from the University of Illinois often come to present.
“Community members and/or families of our students are so kind and willing to share information about their cultures,”Third-grade Teacher Kim Johnson said. “The students are very engaged: making crafts, learning different languages and trying new foods. Any child benefits from the reminder that we all may dress differently, live differently or eat different foods – but we share some of the same values.
“Throughout the day students have fun learning that we are more alike than we are different.”
Fourth-grade Student Kalista Granadino said, “I liked learning about other countries that I’m interested in. I liked hearing about what they do at school and home that’s different from us.”
Not only do students have a great experience while at school, HANDS often provides them with enthusiasm to visit other countries throughout their lifetime.
Fourth-grade student Isaac Biegler said, “I really liked the food. Mr. and Mrs. Noonan’s noodle were my favorite. It was a great learning experience. Peru had the best candy ever. In Italy, we got to see old pictures. In every country, the teachers and high school students were so nice and friendly. Mrs. Nicolette was excited to teach us about Turkey. I cannot wait to visit these places.”
“HANDS is a great way for students to step outside of their world, here in Mahomet,” Fourth-grade Teacher Bridgett Graham said. “It opens their eyes that allows them to see the world through someone else’s perspective, helping them to accept the different beliefs and ways of living throughout the world.”
During the day’s closing ceremony, students listened to the University of Illinois’ Steel Drum Band. The opportunity was provided by the Mahomet-Seymour Education Foundation and the Mahomet-Seymour PTO.
Lincoln Trail Music Teacher Sue Keeble spent time with students throughout the year, teaching students about the steel drum and how to play it.
Prior to the closing ceremony, some fourth-grade students played a Jamaican percussion song as students filed into the gymnasium. Then, as the performance kicked off, all Lincoln Trail students joined the University of Illinois Steel Drum Band in song.
Mahomet-Seymour High School graduate Danielle Schuh was one of the 10 steel drum performers.
During her time at Mahomet-Seymour High School, Schuh also helped as a governor through her foreign language class.
Keeble said that fourth-grade students will showcase their steel drum and percussion work at their April 16 performance for parents at Lincoln Trail.
