Students went on a walking tour and observed many graffiti murals in Spanish Harlem.
On Friday, May 6, eighth graders went to New York City to visit Spanish Harlem. While in the city, students went on a walking tour and observed many graffiti murals in Spanish Harlem. They learned about the history of the murals, and how they related to the themes of community: togetherness, freedom and perseverance.
“The best part of this trip is always watching my students immerse themselves in the cultural aspects of the day. Sometimes culture can’t be taught in a classroom. It always has a greater impact on them if they experience it for themselves, instead of just discussing it in the classroom,” said teacher Kara O’Hare.
The next stop was el Museo del barrio, which means the museum of the neighborhood. This museum includes art work by artists who live in New York City and are of Latin American dissent. In the museum, students observed the optical illusion exhibit. This exhibit was not a new exhibit, it highlighted work from the early 1900s that were not included in the modern art museum exhibits.
Salsa dance lesson at Stepping Out Studios.
“As I listened to my students’ converse throughout the day, they were talking about the artwork, the community, and the culture that they were able to experience firsthand. As a result, it was evident that they learned a lot about acceptance, community, cultural awareness, and more importantly they were able to see how prevalent the Spanish language is outside of the classroom.,” said O’Hare.
Students enjoyed an authentic Spanish meal at Café Espanola. They were able to order in Spanish, and interact with waiters and staff. The trip was concluded with a salsa dance lesson at Stepping Out Studios.
O’Hare said this trip is rewarding and memorable for herself and her students. “I was truly taken aback as I watched and listened to my students spontaneously converse in Spanish throughout the entire day with the museum staff, tour guide, restaurant employees and each other. I heard one of my students speak more Spanish during this trip than I have heard him speak all year.” See more photos from the trip.