The key to a culturally responsive classroom, is not only acknowledging the diversity present, but also celebrating and honoring it.  While teaching first grade, I taught a science unit which explored the growth and needs of different plants.  As a final experience, I led the students through a 10 minute presentation of the different National Flowers represented in our classroom.  My students learned basic information about the Dahlia of Mexico, the Ceibo tree from Argentina, Tulips from Turkey, the Sharon Rose of South Korea, the symbolic Lotus of India, and the Rose of America. 

Creating this presentation, was in itself, a valuable experience for me.  As I researched each nation, I began to learn about each individual culture.  This presentation showed my students my investment in them as young people, it enhanced learning by introducing an atypical science focus, and it generated a tremendous sense of pride.  When each new flower was presented, the students from that culture or country would beam with excitement. Some were so exhilarated that they couldn't stop themselves from jumping up and telling their peers everything they knew about their home countries and native cultures.

NATIONAL FLOWERS AROUND THE WORLDBy: Mr. C

ROSE OF SHARON The national flower of South

Korea Also called Mugunghwa ;

immortal flower Blooms in late summer

through mid autumn.

Where is South Korea?

THE DAHLIA The National Flower of

Mexico Native to the mountains

of Mexico Blooms in summer and

autumn

Where is Mexico?

THE TULIP The Tulip is the National

Flower of Turkey The botanical name, Tulipa,

came from Turkish language Tulips bloom in the Spring,

and can be grown in most gardens

Where is Turkey?

THE CEIBO The National Flower of

Argentina It is a flowering tree

native to South America In English, it is often

called the Cockspur Coral Tree

It became the national flower of Argentina in 1942.

Where is Argentina?

THE LOTUS The National flower of India The Lotus is very symbolic in

Indian culture It grows in fresh water ponds

and lakes Is thought of as one of the

worlds most beautiful flowers by poets everywhere.

Where is India?

THE ROSE The National Flower of America,

and State Flower of New York The petals of the Rose are edible,

and have been used in medicine Roses come in lots of colors.

Each color has a different meaning

Where is America?