Nationality: Greek

Teaches at a Greek-American School in New York City

Distribution of nationalities amongst students: American -90% *Greek and Other: 10%

Cultural Activity 1: Celebration of the Three Fathers of Religion

The Celebration of the Three Fathers is traditionally celebrated in Greece and Greek-American schools every year on the 30th of January.

The three wise men, Megas Vasilios, Gregorios Theologos and Ioannis Hrisostomos, lived in Greece during the 4th century. They were rich and highly educated, and spent their entire fortunes on feeding and healing the poor. They also wrote books about the Orthodox religion and the education of children.

I introduced the tradition to students through a history lesson. I then asked questions to see what students were most interested in. I was pleased to see that they were impressed with the generosity, wisdom, and the kindness of these men, as these values are an important part of Greek heritage. We also had the chance to compare the economies and the Greek educational systems of ancient times to the present.

The students next performed an artistic activity in which they were given a picture of the Three Fathers to color. This allowed them to see the clothes the three wise men wore and the books they carried in their hands, allowing them to become more familiar with Greek traditions and culture.

Cultural Activity 2: Using History and Art to Teach the Greek Orthodox Religion

A history and art lesson which gives an overview of the culture, the traditions, the heritage and values of the Greek Orthodox Religion.

Audience: Pre-K students, teachers of Pre-K and assistants 58

An audience of 58 individuals Students learned about the Greek Orthodox history and the bases on which the Greek educational system is formed.

Cross Cultural Activity 3:

Medium(s) of communication:   Email

Exchange Dialogue and cultural information with 40 students at _____________ (name of school) in (City), Greece. We made Art activities about St Valentine’s Day and the legend of “Ms Sarakosti”. The other school made activities about the Carnaval.

February 20 and March 1 Greece

Students and the teachers of the Pre-K class of my school and a school in my home country: 40

Via Email we exchanged photos of cultural activities which took place in host and home country. Teachers of each school showed the pictures to the students and they had a lesson about the different culture and traditions.