With the fall season upon Americans, ETA Navara Syed and her English Club students at SMKN 6 Padang celebrated the season by indulging in various cherished American traditions! Students have been curious about American culture, specifically the parts that cannot be seen via social media or Hollywood movies. With Thanksgiving approaching, Navara decided to bring some of the American spirit to Padang.

But, to “walk the walk,” students must first be able to “talk the talk.” Navara taught students popular American slang—something they had been asking her about since her arrival in Padang. Then, in true American fashion, students tested their new vocabulary by playing a game of Kahoot!

To continue celebrating American culture, students learned a new game, one unique to the US: apple bobbing! Students were split into two teams, each with 10 to 15 students. They took turns removing apples from the bucket, and the team that emptied its bucket first won.

Navara demonstrated the game, sparking equal parts hesitation and excitement. The idea of picking apples out of a bucket with their mouths did not appeal to them at first, but as the game carried on, the students’ competitive spirit took over. After about 15 minutes of intense play, students were drenched—from hijab to toe—but in good spirits nonetheless. To end the activity, everyone enjoyed delicious apples while debriefing on the game.

As Navara’s students are high school-aged, she deemed it only appropriate that they learn high school gym-class classical dances, including the Cha Cha Slide, Cupid Shuffle, and Cotton-Eyed Joe. For one day, students at SMKN 6 Padang got the whole American experience. Given how much they enjoyed this, Navara intends to include more aspects of American culture in future classes and activities.

Navara Syed is currently teaching at SMKN 6 Padang, West Sumatra.