This past week, students from 4th grade elementary classes A and B embarked on a unique cross-curricular project that brought together Social Studies and the English Immersion Program. The activity, organised under the mission of the English Immersion Program to create authentic, immersive opportunities to use English naturally, aimed to connect historical learning with meaningful language practice.
The focus of the session was to compare the Americas before the arrival of Columbus with the Balkans during the same historical period, around the 1500s. Students studied the civilisations of the Inca, and Aztec empires, and contrasted them with the cultural reality of the Balkans under the influence of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. With the special participation of our dear friend Mia Kreca from Bosnia and Herzegovina, the discussion was enriched by first-hand cultural insights that connected local history with a broader, global perspective.
Working collaboratively, students engaged in lively discussions and built a mind map highlighting the similarities and differences between these regions. They explored elements such as religion, architecture, social structures, food, and language. This comparative approach not only deepened their historical understanding but also encouraged them to reflect on the diversity and cultural richness of both contexts.
The entire session was conducted in English, reinforcing the communicative purpose of the program. By approaching history through language, students were able to see English not just as a subject, but as a tool for learning, connection, and cultural exploration.
This project was an inspiring example of how two subjects can come together to create meaningful, engaging, and thought-provoking experiences for students. We invite our community to check the presentation used during the activity to discover more about the fascinating comparisons made between the Americas and the Balkans.
