Workshop Series Overview

This 5-week course, "Journey Through Romania: Exploring Heritage and Traditions," invites Romanian-American children aged 10-13 to dive into the rich cultural tapestry of Romania. Each weekly session is designed to spark curiosity and provide a comprehensive understanding of Romanian identity through history, folklore, celebrations, music, dance, and cuisine. Participants will engage in interactive discussions and multimedia activities that bring the vibrancy of Romanian culture to life.

Age group:

10-13 y/o

Tentative Dates:

This is a tentative schedule. Any changes will be communicated to the parents of enrolled participants.

April 26th - May 24th, Saturdays from 2:45 - 3:45 PM 

REGISTER HERE

Program Outline

Workshop 1: The Roots of Romania

• Objective: Introduce participants to Romania’s historical milestones and the formation of its cultural identity.
• Content:
  • Overview of Romania’s geography and significant historical eras.
  • Interactive timeline activity highlighting key events.
  • Discussion: How history has shaped modern Romania.
• Activity: Create a visual timeline poster in groups.

Workshop 2: Folklore and Fairy Tales

• Objective: Explore Romanian folklore and its impact on cultural norms and values.
• Content:
  • Introduction to famous Romanian myths and legends.
  • Storytelling session featuring tales like "The Legend of Dracula” or “Sinzienele”
  • Discussion: The morals and lessons of Romanian folklore.
• Activity: Act out a well-known Romanian fairy tale.

Workshop 3: Celebrate as Romanians Do!

• Objective: Discover Romanian traditional celebrations and their significance.
• Content:
  • Overview of major Romanian holidays and festivals.
  • Explore traditional customs and how they are celebrated today.
  • Discussion: The importance of seasonal festivals in Romanian culture.
• Activity: Craft  or prepare a mini-presentation on a chosen festival.

Workshop 4: The Sounds of Romania

• Objective: Delve into Romanian music and dance traditions.
• Content:
  • Introduction to popular Romanian music styles, from folk and classical to modern pop.
  • Learn basic steps of traditional dances like the Hora.
  • Discussion: The role of music and dance in community bonding.
• Activity: Dance activity where participants learn and perform a simple folk dance.

Workshop 5: Taste of Romania

• Objective: Understand and appreciate Romanian culinary traditions.
• Content:
  • Discuss the diverse influences on Romanian cuisine.
  • Introduction to iconic dishes such as sarmale, mămăligă, cozonac or salam de biscuiti.
  • Discussion: The stories behind popular dishes and their regional variations.
• Activity: Cooking demonstration or tasting session featuring a simple Romanian recipe.

Conclusion

Each workshop will be supplemented with multimedia resources like videos, music, and images to enhance the learning experience. By the end of the course, participants will have gained a profound appreciation and understanding of Romanian culture, fostering a deeper connection to their heritage.

Extended Objectives for "Journey Through Romania: Exploring Heritage and Traditions" Workshops

Workshop 1: The Roots of Romania

• Objective 1: Introduce the geography and pivotal historical periods of Romania to build a foundational understanding of the country's past.
• Objective 2: Highlight key historical events and figures to illustrate their impact on Romania's development and cultural identity.
• Objective 3: Foster group collaboration and creativity through the creation of a visual timeline that encapsulates Romania’s historical milestones.

Workshop 2: Folklore and Fairy Tales

• Objective 1: Educate participants about the rich tradition of Romanian folklore and its significance in shaping national morals and values.
• Objective 2: Engage children in Romanian culture through interactive storytelling, emphasizing the narratives that have been passed down through generations.
• Objective 3: Encourage expressive skills by having participants enact a traditional Romanian fairy tale, enhancing their understanding through performance.

Workshop 3: Celebrate as Romanians Do

• Objective 1: Explore the diversity and significance of Romanian national and regional celebrations, focusing on their origins and contemporary relevance.
• Objective 2: Provide hands-on experience in crafting traditional Romanian festival items, linking cultural heritage with personal creativity.
• Objective 3: Develop presentation skills by encouraging participants to research and share insights on Romanian festivals, fostering a deeper personal connection to the customs.

Workshop 4: The Sounds of Romania

• Objective 1: Introduce participants to the various traditional and modern music styles of Romania, demonstrating the country's musical diversity.
• Objective 2: Teach basic steps of iconic Romanian dances, promoting cultural appreciation through physical activity.
• Objective 3: Highlight the communal importance of music and dance in Romanian culture and how these arts foster social bonds and community identity.

Workshop 5: Taste of Romania

• Objective 1: Educate participants about the rich variety of Romanian cuisine and the historical and geographical influences that have shaped it.
• Objective 2: Introduce basic culinary skills and knowledge of traditional Romanian cooking through a demonstration or tasting session.
• Objective 3: Foster a sense of curiosity and appreciation for Romanian food by discussing the cultural significance and stories behind popular dishes.

These objectives aim to ensure that each workshop is not only informative and educational but also engaging and interactive, allowing participants to actively connect with their heritage.