Being a globally minded community means more than just awareness of the world around us – it is also being part of it. ISDenver is the only elementary school in metro Denver that offers students international travel opportunities. Our students’ world travels reinforce our commitment to developing globally minded and interculturally adept students who make positive contributions in our world.

Fifth graders in our Chinese program just returned from an immersive ten-day experience in Taiwan. The trip to Taiwan offered our students not only an immersive-language experience but also an opportunity for personal growth, cultural enrichment, and educational development. Our alumni always share the 5th-grade trips ignite a passion for the target language and culture that lasts a lifetime.

 

It is with great honor and genuine respect that we present a thoughtfully crafted, handmade desktop Peace Pole to the esteemed Principal of Chang Gung Elementary School. This meaningful gift, carefully designed and created by our students, symbolizes our shared commitment to fostering peace, unity, and understanding within the community.

The Peace Pole, an emblem of harmony, was created with the intention of promoting positive values that transcend boundaries and encourage an environment of goodwill. It serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to cultivate a spirit of peace not only within our school but also in the wider world.

-Tracy Chang, ISDenver Faculty

Lunch with Taiwanese classmates

Our students experienced authentic Taiwanese lunch culture and food daily. In many Taiwanese schools, lunch is served directly in the classroom, as there is no cafeteria. The students often take turns serving one another. It was wonderful to observe how smoothly our students integrated into their new classrooms, engaging positively with their teachers and classmates. We witnessed numerous conversations in which they demonstrated impressive language skills while interacting with local staff and students.

Culture games exchange with Grade 5 students

Students participated in cultural exchange activities with many Grade 5 students from the host school. Our students introduced American games such as Uno, Chess, and American football, while the host school provided Chinese Yo-Yos, Taiwanese Monopoly, and cup stacking activities. The students had an amazing time together, fostering camaraderie and enjoying each other’s cultures.

Chinese Calligraphy Activities

The Principal of Chang Gung Elementary School graciously organized an enriching session in which students were taught the art of Chinese Calligraphy. During this activity, the Principal demonstrated the fundamental techniques of this traditional Chinese writing style, offering valuable insights into the cultural significance of calligraphy.

The students were deeply engaged and expressed great enthusiasm as they learned how to master the elegant brush strokes required to create beautiful Chinese characters. The opportunity to spend time with the Principal in such a hands-on and educational setting was particularly appreciated, as it allowed for a meaningful connection between the students and the leadership of the school.

As the activity progressed, the students not only honed their calligraphy skills but also gained a greater appreciation for this ancient art form, which combines both creativity and discipline. The event was an enriching experience, fostering a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and providing a memorable learning experience for all involved.

Sky Lanterns

Our Grade 5 students visited a souvenir shop in Shifen, where lantern painting stations, complete with brushes and pots of black paint, were set up. After forming groups of four, the students were taught how to craft paper sky lanterns. They took turns painting their wishes on each side of the lanterns. The various colors on each side represented different categories of good fortune, ranging from Health & Peace to Money & Wealth.

Once the paintings were complete, the students, accompanied by a staff member from the shop, made their way to the railroad tracks. The staff member was responsible for igniting the flame to launch the lanterns. At the designated moment, the students released their lanterns into the sky and watched as they soared away.

Cooking Class

Grade 5 students in Taiwan were given the exciting opportunity to prepare and cook their own meals, including some of their favorite dishes, such as Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings) and Boba milk tea. This hands-on experience took place in a kitchen, where the students were tasked with not only following recipes but also taking the initiative to learn the steps involved in creating these popular Taiwanese delicacies.

It has been truly heartening to witness their enthusiasm and willingness to engage in the cooking process, displaying a remarkable level of curiosity and openness. The students demonstrated a keen interest in understanding the intricacies of preparing these traditional foods, and their excitement was evident as they navigated through the various stages of cooking, from kneading dough to crafting the perfect bubble tea.

Most notably, it was encouraging to observe their open-mindedness, particularly when it came to trying new ingredients or flavors that they were not previously familiar with. This experience has not only nurtured their practical culinary skills but has also broadened their palates, fostering a sense of appreciation for the rich and diverse food culture of Taiwan. The positive attitude they displayed throughout the activity reflects a broader trend of curiosity and exploration, essential qualities for both personal and academic growth.

Suho Paper Memorial Museum

Fulfilling the lifelong dream of Taiwanese paper maker Chen Su-ho, this elegant four-story museum showcases a functioning traditional paper mill alongside temporary exhibitions. The museum emphasizes paper sculpture and installation art while offering insightful overviews of paper-making practices both globally and in Taiwan. Our Grade 5 students thoroughly enjoyed the experience of creating their own paper and gained valuable knowledge about the process of paper production and its historical significance.

228 Peace Memorial Park and Taiwan Presidential Office

Our grade 5 students were truly fortunate to have had the opportunity to witness the impressive performance of the Taiwanese Military Marching Band, which took place in front of the iconic Presidential Office. The experience not only allowed our students to enjoy the captivating display of precision and discipline, but also provided them with a firsthand look at an important aspect of Taiwan's national pride and military tradition. In addition to this remarkable event, our group was guided on an enriching tour through the Peace Memorial Park, where our knowledgeable guide shared a thorough and insightful history lesson. This educational experience deepened our students' understanding of Taiwan's complex historical context, particularly regarding its past struggles and the significance of peace in shaping the nation's present and future. Both activities combined to offer a meaningful and unforgettable day of learning outside the classroom, fostering a deeper appreciation for Taiwan's cultural heritage and history among our students.

Learn more about our international trips and Classrooms without Walls philosophy.