When we have concluded the research/report unit in our classroom, students take part in an evening performance where parents are able to watch the students sing songs and show off their costumes on our makeshift runway.

On the night of the International Festival, we decorate the stage in our cafeteria with flags of the world and other decorations that celebrate the many cultures of the world, including a huge Chinese dragon made with balloons, a light-up Eiffel tower constructed by a parent, and other things we can collect or make. We work with the music teacher in the school to sing songs that celebrate our diversity.

In between the singing, we call students’ names from each country and have them "strut their stuff" on a catwalk that we construct off the front of the stage. While students from each country are showing off their great costumes, we play music from their country. After they have their turn on the catwalk, students go to the microphone and share an interesting fact about their country before returning to their place on the risers.

Check out more photos of the concert and fashion show.