Meet Our New Student From Haiti

From afar, Haiti, a small country on the island of Hispaniola, seems like any other Caribbean paradise. There are lush jungles, white sand beaches, and turquoise waters. But a closer look at the island country reveals a stark glimpse into the third world. Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere. The government is unstable, crime is rampant, education is for the lucky, and hope is hard to come by. Find out how the Haitian people overcome poverty, killer storms, and mudslides to celebrate a culture rich in French, Spanish, and African history when American schoolchildren Meet a New Student from Haiti.

Danny Parker and his fourth-grade classmates in rural New York are excited to meet Franco, a boy who will be joining their school from Zambia. Their teacher prepares nshima and pineapple chutney, and the students weave baskets to prepare for his arrival. They also learn that Zambia is a rare landlocked country where people can see lions, rhinos, and elephants. It is home to such wondrous sites as Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River. Zambia was once one of the major copper-producing nations in the world. But a poor economy and a deadly disease have caused a lot of despair in Zambia, as they have throughout much of Africa. Danny and his friends are eager to welcome Franco to their school, where he will have a chance to rebuild his life after AIDS devastated his family. (Recipe and craft instructions included.)

For two months, Kimberly had kept her secret: a pen pal from Mexico! Now her long-distance friend is going to be a student in Kimberly’s school, and neither girl can wait to meet the other. As Mrs. Turner’s class prepares for Marisa’s arrival, they learn a great deal about her lively home country. Join Kimberly and her classmates as they find out about Mexico’s exciting history, busy cities, and traditional foods. Help them welcome Marisa with chips and guacamole and a party piñata. Hola, Marisa!

Allison and the other students in her third grade class learn many things about Japan while they prepare to welcome a new student from that country.

As soon as the teacher announced that a new student from Israel was joining their class, the kids were ready for a party! Stephanie and the others found out there was a lot to know about Israel before Ziv arrived. They heard about ancient stories, languages, and traditions that are alive today. High tech, nature, soldiers, and candy–there were so many things to explore. Yummy new foods and fun crafts filled the room on the day their new friend Ziv arrived from Israel.

A new student from Australia is joining Stacey's third grade class and everyone is curious. They want to know everything about the land "Down Under!" This country is home to kangaroos, koalas, wombats, and other wildlife found nowhere else in the world. Nearby in the Pacific Ocean is the Great Barrier Reef, the largest natural feature on the planet. Find out how people from Europe discovered Australia, and about the aboriginal people who were already living there. Then join Stacey and her class in preparing some "bikkies" and welcoming a New Student From Australia.

Camila a new student from Columbia by learning about her country its attractions customs and language and includes a recipe to make arepas and instructions for to create a collage.

Find out about the wonders of Great Britain as Jennifer, her classmates, and her teacher prepare to welcome Michael, who hails from York, England. Before his arrival, the class will learn about exotic places like Buckingham Palace and Stonehenge, fun words like lorry and torch, and even British customs like taking hot tea and celebrating with haggis. Share the recipe for the classic dish Welsh rarebit and follow instructions for making a Union Jack. Join the excitement as Jennifer and her class Meet a New Student from Great Britain.

A student from China joins Ashley's third grade class and together the students learn about Chinese culture so they can welcome their new friend.

A brief history of the people culture traditions and customs of the country of Malaysia.