Preschoolers get a taste of Russia

By KREMENA TODOROVA

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- In their colorful classroom at Jefferson Elementary, 20 or so "Creative Kids" on Thursday got what's probably their first glimpse -- or is it taste? -- of Russia.

Supported by one of the students' moms, Irina Soboleva, of Yaroslavl, Russia, who currently lives in New Ulm with husband Serguei and daughter Dasha, teacher Eileen Bierk tried to give the 3 1/2 to 5 1/2-years-olds an idea of that country's culture, language, and food.

It was a "multi-sensory exposure" filled with sights, sounds, and tastes.

The kids read a book in English, then Soboleva said the Russian words for characters and ideas in the book. The children also compared the American and Russian alphabets and paged through Dasha's Russian reader. Soboleva, a teacher in her home country, even acted out a Russian/English puppet show.

In other parts of their morning session, the kids painted the Russian flag and compared it to the American flag. Inspired by the real thing, Dasha's favorite "matreshka" or nesting doll, the kids decorated Russian dolls made of paper. With the bouncy excitement typical of pre-schoolers, the children flocked to feel Dasha's furry hat and boots. The experience was topped off with a trip to the cafeteria, where Soboleva, aided by compatriot Elena Salova, had cooked up platefuls of Russian "blini" or pancakes--as well as American-style ones for the less brave. Both kinds of treats quickly met with their demise.

Thursday's program, or curriculum unit, was part of a counties-and-cultures series taught throughout February, said Bierk. Through different events and activities, the kids learn about different countries.

Bierk often chooses these study units based on the nationality or ethnic origin of her students. Because coming from a family that speaks a language other than English at home is one factor that can qualify a child for acceptance in the Creative Kids program, Bierk is able to draw on authentic resources and helpers. She has done a unit on Mexico-- as well as countries such as Ireland, Sweden, or Germany, which relate to the ethnic backgrounds of the English-speaking kids in the classes.

Creative Kids is a school-readiness, or preschool, program run by New Ulm's District 88. It is based on several ideas: that children can learn the skills to be successful in school; that each child learns at their own rate; and that success in learning will develop a child's self-image. The program introduces concepts such as numbers, letters, writing and colors, as well as social and play skills.

The classes take place three days a week, in the morning or afternoon. Each class day consists of free exploration time, small group work, music, large muscle exercises, circle time, story and calendar.

The program is specifically geared to kids that meet a list of qualifications. Beside English being a second language, criteria that give a child priority when joining the program include, but are not limited to: a primary caregiver having less than a high-school diploma; financial or other stress in the family; illness in the family; a teen mother or a mother over 40 at the birth of the first child; a history of high-risk pregnancies/births; or a parent absent from the family.

The program also offers some busing; snacks; monthly trips to Oak Hills Center; field trips; parent/teacher conferences and take-home activity packets.