Wareham students and their families explored cultures from around the world without leaving the comfort of Minot Forest Elementary school on Wednesday, February 16.

The Village PTA hosted the third annual International Night for children in kindergarten through fifth grade, featuring crafts, cuisine, and cultural displays created by students from the East Wareham, Ethel Hammond, and Minot Forest schools.

"This is a great opportunity for students to realize what it's like for people around the world," Minot Forest second grade teacher Kristin Matathia said. Her class chose to research Norway for their project.

"They learned how kids in Norway live," Matathia continued. Students examined the culture's diet, government, and day-to-day life. One factoid that got the attention of the class: children in Norway go to school when it's dark out. "Daylight hours are short in the winter there," explained Matathia.

England, Germany, Australia, and Guyana, among others, were also represented at the festival.

The night was filled with fun activities for guests. Attendees were entertained by performances from the Minot Elementary dance group Step-It-Up, as well as a group from Kaleidoscope Dance and Gymnastics. The troops demonstrated the Mexican Hat Dance and the Hula.

"We don't normally do these dances," noted Cameron Decas, 13, who said he learned a lot while practicing with his Kaleidoscope group for the event.

Children also enjoyed making arts and crafts related to the various places, and all feasted on ethnic food from each of the countries.