Inspire First Grade learns about Switzerland

Veronica Bernicke visited our classroom today and taught us many new and interesting things about her native country, Switzerland. We learned that Switzerland is a small, landlocked country in Europe. Although this country is so small, its citizens eats the most chocolate in the world!!(On average, each person eats about 15 pounds per year...to understand what 15 pounds is, we tried to think of other things that weigh the same. Ask your child to share our findings with you).

We also learned that Switzerland's flag is a square. Most other countries' flags are rectangular. Its flag is red with a white cross on it. The founder of the Red Cross, J. Henri Dunant, came from Switzerland, so to honor him, the Red Cross decided to create a flag for itself in the exact same colors, but mirrored. Hence, the Red Cross now has a flag that is white with a red cross on it.

We also learned that there are many similarities between Swizerland and Vermont. For example, Switzerland has mountains, just like we do in Vermont, but their mountains are called the Alps. We also learned that they have many cows in Switzerland, just like we do in Vermont. They also use the cows for milk, cream, cheese, and ice cream, but their style of farming is very different from ours. Their cows get to go to a "camp" during the summer months so the farmers can cut the grass into hay. The cows move up the mountains as the farmers work the land and as they move upward, they also get to wear the traditional bells around their necks (so the farmers can find them). When the summer is over, the cows return to their villages in a big parade. They are dressed up, with the milking stool placed upside down on their heads, which are filled with evergreens, flowers and other beautiful decorations!!!!

Lastly, we learned that they speak four different languages in Switzerland. They speak French, German, Italian, and Romansch. Try to match the following phrases for "hello" to these four languages: (Also, don't forget to check out our Wiki-page for more information and games about Switzerland)
Bon Jour
Grusse
Bongiorno
Bien di