What in the world is Rock Cake?
About 130 students in Clarkston Schools? third through fourth grades learned the answer to that question and many more at the first Clarkston Schools Cultural Convention on Nov. 11.
Eleven students from the University of Michigan held presentations on Canada, Morocco, Germany, Honduras, Italy, Japan, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Russia, Spain and the European Union at North Sashabaw Elementary.
The program was coordinated by April Wuest, from Talent Development, with the assistance of Talent Development Specialists Susan Banworth, Nancy Battishill and Holly Kornas.
‘We wanted to give more exposure to other cultures,? said Wuest in regards to the event. ‘It’s really an important subject, especially with globalization. There really is not a lot of geography taught at the elementary level and this is a way of bringing in that extra step for the students who need and want it.?
The evening opened with ‘Taste That Culture.? Each student’s family made a dish from a recipe provided by organizers. All were invited to partake of the potluck.
After enjoying a wide variety of treats, including German Rock Cake, students attended two 30-minute sessions with the University of Michigan presenters. The college students gave everyone an even larger ‘flavor? of the countries.
‘We need to support these kinds of events in the community because these kids will deal with a different world than the one we are in,? explained Wuest. ‘These students will be encountering a much more globalized world than we ever imagined when we were young. It will be essential for them to deal and work with other cultures, their value systems and beliefs.?
The program originated as one University of Michigan student giving one presentation at one elementary. Wuest said when she was arranging the program for this year, she thought expanding the experience would benefit the students.
‘This will help them to expand their talents and their learning,? said Wuest. ‘The students have really enjoyed working on this.?