Upper Elementary Homework Due May 8, 2018 - Twin Cities Festivals

Three large, annual festivals take place in Minneapolis and St. Paul every year on the first weekend in May - the May Day festival and parade with Heart of the Beast puppet theater, the Cinco de Mayo festival and parade in West St. Paul, and the Festival of Nations at the St. Paul River Centre.  These cultural celebrations draw large numbers of Minnesotans and showcase a wide variety of art, history, food, and community in our neighborhoods.

Options:

-   Attend the May Day Parade or Tree of Life Ceremony at Powderhorn Park in Minneapolis.  The event starts at noon and continues throughout the afternoon, concluding with the Tree of Life ceremony.  There are puppets, jugglers, amazing floats, drum lines, dance troops, and food vendors. For more details about the event, go to: https://hobt.org/mayday/

-   Attend the Cinco de Mayo Parade or one of the many other related events on the West Side of St. Paul.  There are crafts, dances, a car show, food vendors, and even a jalapeno eating contest. For details about the event, go to: https://www.cincodemayosaintpaul.com/parade.html

- Attend the Festival of Nations event at the River Centre.  This festival is a four day long series of art, dance, music, and other performances from every culture of people living in the Twin Cities Metro Area.  Many of our students have performed here in the past with dance or music groups! For more details about the event, go to: http://www.festivalofnations.com/

-   Hold your own Cinco de Mayo or May Day celebration.  Research how these cultural holidays are usually celebrated.  Cook food, make decorations, and invite guests. Write about your planning and party, and please include pictures!

- Make May Day baskets for your neighbors!  Research the tradition of gift giving for May Day and distribute small gifts to at least five of your neighbors.  Include photos!

Requirements:

Write about your experience - what did you see, hear, eat, notice, participate in, and learn?  If you have attended the event before, what stood out to you as new or unusual? Did anything surprise you at the event?  Think about the fundamental needs. Which fundamental needs did you notice people meeting at the cultural celebration you attended?  

All essays must be edited for grammar, spelling, and punctuation.  It is okay to ask an adult or older student to help you with this work.  Fourth grade students should write a minimum of two paragraphs, fifth grade student should write at least three paragraphs, and sixth grade students should write at least four paragraphs.   

If you are unable to attend an event or host your own, please propose an alternative homework that addresses similar ideas to your guide by Friday, May 4th.