Have you ever wondered what Christmas is like around the world?
Just ask the English as a Second Language (ESL) program students at Arlington High School!
This year, they hosted their fourth annual Christmas Around the World event. Over 40 ESL students came together to bring the magic of Christmas from their home country or a country they were interested in learning more about.
They created colorful presentation boards filled with fun facts, photos and stories about how each country celebrates the holidays. From the twinkling lanterns of the Philippines to the festive piñatas of Mexico, each board was a mini adventure around the world.
“It’s really fun,” said Arlington High freshman Belen Reich-Basulto. “It’s cool to learn about other countries and other cultures.”
But the event was more than just an adventure, it was an opportunity for students to strengthen their communication.
“There is so much learning that goes into this,” said content-based language instruction (CBLI) specialist Tammy Edwards. “They’re learning about other countries while also learning how to speak to people in a formal way.”
And what’s a celebration without treats? Many students brought traditional dishes to share with faculty and staff from across the district.
Over the past four years, the event has become a highlight for both students and faculty, but this was the first year thatfaculty from across the entire district were invited.
The smiles, stories and delicious food made it clear. Christmas is a time for bringing people together, no matter where you’re from!