43
Students learn tolerance during Luau
Photo
Neighbors | EARTHA TERRELL.Dobbins Elementary School fourth-grade students line up in their best Hawaian inspired attire for a year book picture during the school's Luau May 25.
Photo
Dobbins Elementary School fourth-grade students Allyson Andrews (left), Hannah Chandler (middle), and Ally Nittoli have fun in the sun during the school's luau event May 25.
Photo
Ava Lzenour (left) was excited her mother Michelle Izenour (right) and sister Ella Izenour joined her for Dobbins Elementary School's luau MAY 25.
Photo
Dobbins Elementary School students from left to right, Christian Marantis, Jacob Antil, Michael Kushner, Blake Wilson and Dante Parente. posed while they ate Hawaian inspired treats during the school's luau May 25.
Photo
Elizabeth Galla (right) smiles from ear to ear as she enjoys herself with her mother Karla Galla during Dobbins Elementaru School's Luau May 25.
By EARTHA TERRELL
The students in Sharyn DiMuzio and Elain Morlan’s fourth-grade classes at Dobbins Elementary School celebrated Hawaiian culture during their luau May 25.
Students studied a unit on Hawaiian customs and traditions and brought what they learned to reality during the luau.
“It’s a way to celebrate all the foods from Hawaii,” Morlan said.
The school’s cafeteria was full of students, parents and teachers dressed in the best Hawaiian attire wearing straw skirts, sandals and sunglasses.
Lessons about the residents in Hawaii, such as their religious views and diversity, significantly peaked the interest of some students like Elizabeth Galla.
“She’s been very interested in the Hawaiian culture,” said Elizabeth’s mother, Karla Galla.
The goal of the event was to make the experience as close to a real luau as possible.
“We’re going to do a Hula Hoop contest, and do the things that you’d do at a real luau,” Morlan said.
Students also learned about Greek and Egyptian mythology, and were encouraged to take what they learned to become more tolerant of other cultures and religious views.
According to Morlan, students were not only excited to learn about a new culture, but also proud of themselves for being able to learn and understand such complex ideas.
“It makes them proud of themselves,” Morlan said.