“Culture is the expansion of spiritual and intellectual development” (Jawaharlal Nerhu). Recently, the young WASSers had the opportunity to experience the traditional Songkran water festival of Thailand at the school yard of their campus.
At WASS, our WASSers always experience many new and exciting activities, that are enjoyable and also develop their minds. This festival was one of a series of projects to learn about traditional festivals of countries around the world. WASSers were immersed in a very lively and fun space when recreating the Songkran water festival. This is a traditional festival that welcomes the New Year for the Thai people. This activity contributes to help children develop well in language, respect and adapt to diversity and differences from many cultures in the world.
Songkran is the traditional New year holiday of Thailand. This is the time when Thai people pay their respects to the Buddha, clean their houses and splash water on the elderly to pay homage. Many people need to visit Bangkok, Chiang Mai or Pattaya to experience this festive atmosphere, but our WASSers got a chance to experience this special New Year at their own beloved school.
In addition to water splashing activities, teachers also prepared many other activities for children who were both physically and intellectual active through activities such as water gun duel, mini pool, challenge and “Who is faster”. Everyone was eager to join the game, but also very well behaved and orderly. Seeing the smiles on the children’s face, as they were able to run and swim, refreshing in the cool waters and forgetting the heat of the April weather, was an invaluable gift for the teachers at WASS.
Exposure to early world culture will help stimulate the brain, encourage children to think creatively, process information, solve problems and study well. From there, they will understand and accept the differences of people around, develop intelligence and emotions better. Hopefully in the future, WASS will have more activities to learn about the culture of many countries so that our children can learn more interesting things.
Ms. Dinh Thi Hai
Teacher of Wombat class 1
