Goals:  Explore Bosnian domestic traditions via history and traditional foods, music, and dance.

Objectives:  Students will be able to:

1. Locate Bosnia-Herzegovina on a world map or globe and briefly describe the area.
2. Define the term refugee and explore why so many Bosnians became refugees.
3. Examine the various types of handiwork associated with the Bosnian culture.
4. Explore Bosnian folk music and dance.
5. Compare Bosnian traditional foods meals with those from other cultures, including traditional Midwestern foods.
6. Describe a Bosnian coffee party.

Questions to be answered:

1. Where is Bosnia-Herzegovina located in the world?
2. What is a refugee and why/how do people become refugees?
3. What are some types of Bosnian needlework?
4. Which are some Bosnian musical instruments?
5. What three groups of foods are found in the Bosnian culture? What are some examples from each group?
6. What do Bosnian women typically serve at a coffee party? Why is a coffee party of importance?

Suggested methods and activities:

1. Locate Bosnia-Herzegovina on a world map and ask students to research information on major cities, the languages, the country flag, economy, currency, and other interesting information about the region.
   Visit the following links:
   
   • Iowa Folklife Volume II, Bosnian Unit
   • Iowa Folklife Volume II, Bosnian Unit Resources
   • Bosnian Americans
     

*For older grades: students may divide into various groups, prepare a short presentation on different topics and share with the class. Younger grades may draw the flag and describe it, examine currency, and/or discuss the languages spoken.

2. Read non-fiction stories written by refugee children (e.g. Why do they have to fight? Refugee children's stories from Bosnia, Kurdistan, Somalia and Sri Lanka Compiled by Jill Rutter and Mano Candappa).
   Other books found at:
   
   • Iowa Folklife Volume II, Bosnian Unit Resources

*Grades 2-4 may write poems or thoughts on the stories they hear and/or read. Older students may prepare a book review.

3. Discuss the types of handiwork associated with the Bosnian culture. What features differentiate Bosnian crocheting, knitting, and kilim (rug) making from those of other cultures (compare with Lao, Danish, etc.). View examples and discuss patterns and colors of rugs. Invite a guest (or ask students or their parents) to illustrate rug weaving, crocheting or knitting.
   
   *Grades 1-2 may weave a rug using strips of paper to create similar patterns. Older grades may try one of the handcrafts.
   
   
4. Students discuss the various Bosnian musical instruments: bagpipe, wooden flute and sargija. Experiment with various instruments that are available and discuss the similarities and differences.
   Visit the website:
   
   • Download Bosnian Songs & Music

*This activity may be used with all grade levels.

5. Invite a Bosnian dance group to perform for the class and/or find traditional music on-line. Discuss the type of music and identify the instruments in the music.
   Visit the websites:
   
   • Aldijana Radoncic - Bosnian Dancer
     

*This activity may be used with all grade levels.

6. Students find a traditional Bosnian recipe, prepare it and share with the class. Discuss the differences of preparation and ingredients found in the recipes.
   
   *This activity most appropriate for grade 7-12.
   
   
7. Prepare coffee in the Bosnian tradition and compare with coffee typically served in the United States. Discuss the type of coffee used, preparations styles and how it is served.
   Visit the website:
   • How to make Bosnian Coffee

*This activity most appropriate for grade 9-12.