In World Cultures, elementary students explore how people around the world live, celebrate, and connect through traditions. This past week, we learned about New Year celebrations in Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia, which take place April 14–16.
Students always look forward to this lesson and even ask for it each year! One of their favorite parts is practicing the tradition of giving good wishes to one another for the summer ahead. They especially enjoy learning about sai sin, a white string tied around the wrist as a symbol of kindness, good luck, and well wishes.
We were especially lucky this year to have Mrs. Moore’s daughter, who is half Lao, and her fiancé join us. They helped teach the students about the culture and shared in the tradition of offering good wishes, making the experience even more meaningful and authentic.
It’s a special way for students to experience how different cultures celebrate—and to carry those positive feelings of connection and care into their own lives.