Recently, our Pre-K students in Sequoia took part in a wonderful, hands-on learning experience rooted in family tradition and cultural exploration. One student's mom and grandmother shared their family tradition of making dumplings. This experience provided a hands-on opportunity for children to explore culture and connection while reinforcing important Pre-K skills.
The morning began with a playful story that illustrated the dumpling-making process through the adventures of dragons, sparking lively discussion and encouraging students to reflect on their own family traditions and experiences. Students then prepared to become chefs by washing their hands and putting on aprons and chef hats, reinforcing independence, responsibility, and classroom routines.
As the dumpling-making began, students practiced following steps, reviewing the process, and talking through each part of the procedure, skills that mirror the type of sequential thinking they will continue to build on in later grades. Filling and folding the dumplings required patience, precision, and persistence, and students eagerly rose to the challenge.
Throughout the activity, our student’s mom shared personal stories about learning to make dumplings as a child and preparing them for the New Year, helping students understand how traditions are passed down through generations.
When the dumplings were finished, students felt a strong sense of accomplishment and were excited to taste the results of their hard work. It was wonderful to see every child try something new, even if they were hesitant.
We are deeply grateful to our guests for sharing their time, culture, and family tradition, and to our Sequoia teachers for creating opportunities that make learning meaningful, inclusive, and memorable for our students.