Going to school these days doesn't seem to be as fun and uplifting to a child as they used to be in the Old Days. Remember having air raid drills? Now that was cool. Putting your head down for a siesta? Whoever thought of that was a genius! How about having cookies and milk at snack time? Now that was uplifting. So, since my husband and I traveled around the world while in military service, I decided to make it fun for the kids to come to school my own way.

Now a days the children at Fairwood Elementary in Berea,Ohio get a pretty fair peak around the world with my cultural displays and after school club that I host in the Spring.

It started with one display case showing of Native American Culture, then in the month of April it was Asian Childrens Culture, May it was a Hispanic Heritage Display.


Last year our afterschool cultural club was such a huge success that I have children saying" hello Mrs. Weston" in the halls and asking me when we will start our next session.

Asian Culture was taught for 6 weeks; twice a week, for hour hour each day. 14 students enjoyed learning about China, Korea and Japan. Each student focused their attentions on making a chinese lunar calenar animal, arrangeing flowers {Ikebana},painting with ink {Sumei}, writting with ink and brush{Sanscript}making kites for Boys Day celebration,paper folding {Origami} and learning about the differences and similarities between each of these above mentioned countries.




I have managed to muster up a few displays this year for September and October to go along with the 3rd,4th and 5th grade teachers curriculum. September was back to school so I made a wonderful display of Citizenship, to include the Washington DC area {My favorite place in the USA}, public responsibilities like voting, civic duty and volunteerism.

Washington DC tourism pages
Sightseeing in DC

October was a fun month that included a panoramic display of Lewis and Clarks journey towards Westward Expansion. Which included Native American artifacts, compass rose, and mapping skills.

Discovering Lewis and Clark
Trail Heritage Foundation
Lewis and Clark Bicentenial

My next display will be in the month of December; which will host a variety of musical instruments from around the world.Working with the music teacher in the past has been a wonderful experience for myself and the children of the school.

Many times teachers have a million things to do and do not have the time to put up displays and they really enjoy another perspective. Parents need to be more actively involved in the community and spirit of the school. If your child says school is boring, find out why and do something about it. Play an active part in your childs awareness at school.

Join the PTA, but be an active member.
Help grade homework assignments and be impartial.
Help put up a display in your childs classroom or hallway.
Help the Art teacher with supplies or ideas.
Be aware what levys can acomplish for your school district.

PTO Today