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Spilled rice sprinkled the tables in the classroom at Woods Learning Center on Nov. 16.

Some students eagerly stuck their right hands into plates of food, eating appreciatively. Others grimaced, proclaiming that the unfamiliar food was absolutely “gross.”

Students at Woods Learning Center are studying India all year long, explained teacher Jim Gaither. Nov. 16, for Geography Awareness Week, the school’s seventh- and eighth-grade students presented “India Day” for their younger peers.

In the food room, for example, middle-schoolers explained eating habits (wash your hands first, pass food with your left hand, eat only with your right hand), spices and foods.

Then, they served up a meal of naan bread (a traditional flat bread), dal (a lentil and curry dish), saffron rice, coconut barfi (a sweet dessert of coconut and sugar) and masala chai.

“The kids did all the presentations. They made the PowerPoints, and each had a specific part,” explained staff member Diane Seville.

Parents also volunteered to make the food, so each member of the food presentation team got a chance to help out with cooking, as well.

Elsewhere in the school, middle-schoolers put on shadow puppet shows, presented India-based math lessons and gave lessons on daily life in India.

In the gym, a giant National Geographic map covered the floor. Students split into small groups, throwing foam balls at one another in a demonstration of the weather patterns that cause monsoons.

In another room, older kids read stories about Diwali, the Indian Festival of Lights, then broke their students into two groups to play a tag-like game featuring elephants and to make floating candles like those the Indian people place in rivers during the holiday season.

“When we’re older, we’re going to have to talk more in front of groups, so it’s good to learn it when we’re young,” said presenter Mattie Wells, from the Diwali group.

“And to do it in front of the little ones, who are not so judgmental,” added Brandi Haupt.

“This gives us a sense of responsibility,” finished Danyel Blair. “It helps us prepare to be leaders.”

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