Derrick Miller
DUNCAN — Students at Woodrow Wilson Elementary got into the spirit of Mardi Gras.
The fourth-graders made mask and paraded around the school Wednesday to demonstrate the Mardi Gras celebration for all students in the school. As they formed a Mardi Gras parade to go around the school, the fourth-graders tossed candy and beaded necklaces to the other students.
The parade and masks were part of a lesson the fourth-graders studied in class. They were taught about the history and symbolism of Mardi Gras. The parade provided a hands-on experience to show the students what they had spent time learning.
Fourth-grade teacher Kathy Barker has been doing the Mardi Gras program each year for about 10 years. The focus has always been to teach children about a cultural tradition.
Ana Tamez and Jade Horton, both fourth-graders at Woodrow Wilson, said they learned quite a bit about the Mardi Gras celebration before their parade Wednesday.
Ana said there were many aspects of the celebration she learned, including what the colors purple, gold and green represent during Mardi Gras. Purple represents justice. Gold is for power. And green signifies faith.
She also learned about the King cake, which is a cake with a small plastic doll hidden in it. At a Mardi Gras party, whoever gets the doll in his or her piece of cake is declared the king of the party and will throw the party the following year.
“I learned the history of the King cake,” Ana said.
Part of the lesson included a King cake for each of the fourth-grade classes. In Barker’s class, Janila Torkelson found the doll in her slice of cake. Regardless of what the doll may ordinarily represent, Janila won’t have to throw next year’s party.
Jade said she learned quite a bit about the traditions of Mardi Gras. Some of the things included the Tuesday of the celebration being referred to as “Fat Tuesday” and that Wednesday being “Ash Wednesday.
Both Ana and Jade said they were excited about the program and had fun passing out candy and beads to the younger students.
“I was happy,” Jade said. “It was fun the little kids got treats,” Jade said. “I had fun, and I’m glad the little kids had fun, too.”
Among the younger students were her brother and a cousin.
Ana said the parade was a great way to bring the Mardi Gras lesson to a close.
“That was awesome and fun,” Ana said.
— Derrick Miller is a reporter for The Duncan Banner. He can be reached at 580-255-5354, Ext. 160, or via e-mail at derrick.miller@duncanbanner.com.
