This week we celebrated Oman Week in KG1 by taking one aspect of Omani culture or life each day and learning more about it. On Monday, we learned about the potters of Bahla, who for generations have been renowned for using local clay to create both household and decorative items. We learned how clay is extracted from the ground and then turned into a valuable natural resource, and how it is fired in a kiln at high temperatures so that it becomes solid and usable before being decorated. The children had the opportunity to experiment with clay, so that they were able to notice how it is malleable and soft. Each child was given the opportunity to add the finishing touches to their own locally made clay incense burner using shiny metallic coloured paints.
On Tuesday, our focus was on camels and how important they are within Oman and the wider region. We talked about how camels are used in racing and how traditionally they were used for carrying heavy loads over long distances. We also looked at how camel hair was traditionally woven into cloth to make items such as bags, rugs and even tents. Finally, we talked about how camels are used in farming so that we can enjoy camel milk and products made from their milk. During the day, everyone created their own handprint camel painting and was invited to try a little camel milk and a piece of chocolate made using camel milk.
On Wednesday, after first taking a peek at the flags of each of the countries represented by our own class community, we looked especially at the Omani flag, noting its colours and symbols. We learned about what the colours represented and found out a little more about the importance of the Omani dagger, or khanjar, and how it is made and used ceremonially. We then created our own large Omani flag to display in class, with each child helping to paint the stripes in the right colours.
Finally today, our focus turned to the date palm tree and its importance. We were able to learn how every part of this amazing tree can be used: the trunks for construction, the leaves for weaving and making mats and baskets such as the many we use in class, and how the fruit of the palm, the date, is both nutritious and energy giving. Every child had an opportunity to use paste made from fresh dates to make sweet treats by rolling small balls and then covering them in coconut in the colours of the Omani flag, to share with family at home.
Our special week of course ends this evening with a chance to celebrate all of the many cultures and nations that make up our ABIS community at the International Food Evening. We look forward to seeing you there.
Warm regards,
The KG1 Team
