Mr. Shayan Nadeem was a familiar face at Steele last semester when he completed his student teaching in Ms. Hellenga's 5th grade classroom. Nadeem returned to Steele on Friday, February 28 and brought some of his fellow Knox classmates along with him to have conversations with Steele students.
Nadeem who is from Pakistan, brought fellow Knox students from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Colorado and Syria. The purpose of the visit was simple, have conversations with current 5th grade students during Social Studies. The Knox students were able to join all three of the 5th grade classes and answer questions from the Steele students.
Overheard questions included, "What are the hospitals like in Pakistan, where else have you traveled before, what other languages do you speak?" Knox college student, Leen Alshalabi, wrote the first name of each student name in Arabic for students to take with them.
When asked why the conversations are important, Nadeem said, "For students to learn the similarities between people who come from different parts of the world. To break down barriers and challenge stereotypes."
The 5th grade students were inquisitive and did not want the time to end, the conversations could have continued long after the class time was over.
Thank you, Shayan, Iesha, Musa, Sanjana and Leen!
