Cultural Studies
Foreign Language Instruction
At The Learning Studio, we believe that offering foreign language instruction to children is vital for fostering cognitive development, cultural awareness, and connectedness to the world around them. Learning a new language enhances problem-solving skills, memory, and creativity while building the ability to empathize with diverse perspectives. Early exposure to languages allows children to achieve greater fluency and pronunciation accuracy, taking advantage of their brain's natural adaptability. By equipping children with these skills, we prepare them to thrive in a multicultural society. We are proud to offer instruction in both Spanish and Mandarin.
Dia De Los Muertos
At The Learning Studio, we embrace the richness of Mexican culture by celebrating traditions such as Día de los Muertos, a vibrant and meaningful holiday that honors loved ones who have passed away. As part of this celebration, the children create an ofrenda—a beautifully decorated altar adorned with photographs, flowers, candles, and personal mementos to commemorate and remember the deceased. This tradition reflects the Mexican belief in the enduring connection between the living and the departed, emphasizing love, respect, and the celebration of life’s cycles. By engaging in this cultural practice, our students not only learn about the artistic, spiritual, and communal aspects of Mexican heritage but also develop a deeper appreciation for the diverse traditions that shape the world around them. As neighbors to this rich and vibrant culture, these celebrations provide an opportunity to build cultural awareness, empathy, and respect for the histories and values of others.
Lunar New Year
At The Learning Studio, we joyfully celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year, an ancient tradition that marks the beginning of the lunar calendar and is one of the most significant holidays in Chinese culture. This festive time is filled with meaningful rituals, including decorating with red symbols for good fortune, enjoying traditional foods, and learning about the significance of the zodiac animals. Together, the children engage in creative activities like making paper lanterns, practicing calligraphy, and crafting their own interpretations of lucky red envelopes. Through these celebrations, we honor the values of family, gratitude, and renewal that the Lunar New Year embodies. By exploring this vibrant tradition, our students gain insight into Chinese heritage and its timeless lessons about harmony, resilience, and prosperity—fostering a sense of global understanding and respect for the cultural diversity that enriches our world.
Rosh Hashanah
At The Learning Studio, we honor the richness of Jewish culture by celebrating Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, which is a time for reflection, renewal, and hope. This sacred holiday invites us to pause and consider how we can grow and contribute positively to our community in the year ahead. Together, the children explore the traditions of Rosh Hashanah by tasting symbolic foods like apples dipped in honey for sweetness and round challah bread representing the cycle of life. We share stories about the blowing of the shofar (ram’s horn), which calls us to awaken spiritually and embrace new beginnings. By celebrating Rosh Hashanah, our students learn about the values of introspection, gratitude, and connection that are central to this holiday, deepening their understanding of the diversity and beauty within our human family.
Ramadan
At The Learning Studio, we celebrate the beauty and spirituality of Ramadan, a sacred month observed by Muslims worldwide as a time of fasting, reflection, and community. Through stories, art, and shared discussions, the children learn about the significance of fasting from dawn to sunset, which fosters gratitude, self-discipline, and empathy for those in need. We explore the traditions of breaking the fast with dates and water, the nightly iftar meal, and the charitable acts of zakat (giving to those in need) that are central to this observance. Together, the children create lanterns and other symbolic decorations, reflecting the themes of light and renewal that Ramadan embodies. By learning about this important tradition, our students develop a deeper appreciation for the values of compassion, generosity, and faith, fostering greater understanding and respect for the diverse cultures and beliefs that shape our world.
Lantern Walk
At The Learning Studio, the Lantern Walk is a cherished Martinmas tradition that illuminates the values of light, warmth, and inner strength. This year, the celebration was made even more special by the presence of Baba, a masterful storyteller practicing the ancient West African art of Jaliyaa. As the children carried their glowing lanterns through the dark evening, Baba wove captivating tales of African folklore, blending timeless wisdom with relatable life lessons that resonated deeply with young and old alike. The flickering lanterns, a symbol of each child’s inner light, cast a gentle glow as the stories reminded us of the courage, kindness, and resilience we all carry within. By incorporating this rich tradition of storytelling into our celebration, the Lantern Walk became not only a journey through the night but also a heartfelt connection to the global heritage of storytelling and the enduring power of shared narratives to inspire and guide us.
Nowruz
At The Learning Studio, we celebrate the Persian New Year, Nowruz, a joyous festival that marks the arrival of spring and the renewal of life. Rooted in ancient Zoroastrian traditions, Nowruz is a time for gratitude, reflection, and hope for the year ahead. Together, the children learn about the Haft-Seen table, a beautiful arrangement of seven symbolic items beginning with the Persian letter “S,” each representing themes like health, abundance, love, and rebirth. They delight in creative activities such as painting eggs, planting sprouts, and learning traditional dances and songs that honor the season’s renewal. Through stories and discussions, the children explore the themes of balance, nature, and new beginnings that are at the heart of Nowruz. By celebrating this vibrant tradition, we deepen our appreciation for Persian culture and its timeless wisdom, fostering a spirit of unity, hope, and shared joy as we embrace the beauty of spring together.
Michaelmas
At The Learning Studio, Michaelmas is a celebration of courage, inner strength, and the triumph of light over darkness, rooted in Western European traditions and Christian folklore. Inspired by the story of St. Michael, the archangel who defeats the dragon, this festival calls us to face life’s challenges with determination and grace. Together, the children engage in meaningful activities that highlight these themes—crafting swords and shields, creating a harvest-inspired feast, and sharing stories of bravery and resilience. The festival culminates in a joyful outdoor celebration, where the children symbolically confront their own “dragons” and carry the light of courage into the changing season. Michaelmas, traditionally observed as the feast of St. Michael in medieval Europe, reminds us that, like St. Michael, we each have the power to bring light to dark times, inspiring hope and strength as we move into the colder months. By honoring this cultural tradition, our students connect with the rhythms of the year and learn to find the spark of bravery within themselves, fostering a sense of empowerment and community.