Old Adobe School a cultural wonderland
Visitors who come to Old Adobe School often comment on its striking environment, distinctive air of vibrancy, and friendly, lively children. Open since 1980, it serves children two- through five-years-old and has a preschool, pre-kindergarten, and childcare program.
A unique feature that sets the school apart from others in the Valley is its multi-cultural component, a program started by teacher Silvia Chloe and running since 1989.
This program actualizes Old Adobe’s commitment towards cultural diversity by creating “cultural houses” whereby a simple frame is decorated so children have the opportunity to enter various counties, and historical or geographical areas such as Thailand, Europe, Antarctica, Hawaii, Russia, Australia, A Pilgrim’s World, Japan, and China. A new country is studied each month. In each display, a large mural depicts the country’s landscape or environment The mural remains in place while the house is decorated and filled with a colorful variety of fabric, artifacts, toys, costumes, and utensils. Chloe puts a great deal of work into researching, collecting materials, sewing costumes, and having artists contribute their work so that the details and designs are genuine and authentic. For each culture, children learn songs, dances, and musical instruments and often special feasts are created in these celebrations.
Carrying passports, “living and playing,” in unique environments, dressing up, tasting exotic foods, and singing, playing, and dancing to music from many people and lands gives children an early and developmentally important awareness of the world in which they live.
For more information about Old Abode School, call 938.4510.
