Question 1

What is the name of the colorful, cone-shaped package filled with school supplies, small toys, and sweets that children receive on their first day of school in Germany?

Accepted Answer

Schultüte (school cone) -  In Germany, children receive a Schultüte (school cone) on their first day of school. This colorful, cone-shaped package is filled with school supplies, small toys, and sweets, making the milestone extra special for first-graders. The tradition dates back to the 19th century.

Question 2

In Japan, what is the traditional leather backpack that children use on their first day of school?

Accepted Answer

Randoseru -  In Japan, the school year begins in April, coinciding with the cherry blossom season. On the first day, children often dress in their new uniforms and carry a randoseru (sturdy leather backpack). Parents and teachers emphasize values like teamwork and respect.

Question 3

In Italy, what unique feature is often found in primary school classrooms?

Accepted Answer

Individual student desks equipped with built-in ink wells - Italian primary school classrooms often maintain traditional elements, like desks with ink wells, reflecting the country’s rich educational history.

Question 4

On September 4, 1957, nine African-American students famously integrated Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. What were they collectively called?

Accepted Answer

The Little Rock Nine - The Little Rock Nine became symbols of the civil rights movement when they faced violent opposition while integrating Central High School. Federal troops were sent by President Eisenhower to enforce their right to attend.

Question 5

What is the name of the celebration marking the first day of school in Russia, often featuring a "First Bell" ceremony?

Accepted Answer

День Знаний (Knowledge Day) -  In Russia, the first day of school, known as "Knowledge Day" (День Знаний), is celebrated on September 1. Students bring flowers for their teachers, and older students often lead first-graders into the school in a symbolic ceremony. The day begins with a "First Bell" ringing ceremony.

Question 6

In India, what is the name of the festival in Kerala that celebrates the first day of school?

Accepted Answer

Praveshanotsavam - In many parts of India, students are welcomed with prayers, traditional blessings, and special ceremonies to seek success in their studies. Schools may also distribute sweets or organize cultural events. In Kerala, the day coincides with the monsoon season and is called Praveshanotsavam ("admission festival").

Question 7

What historic milestone in Finland’s education system began with the first day of school in August 1970?

Accepted Answer

The introduction of free and universal basic education -  In 1970, Finland restructured its education system to provide free, high-quality schooling for all children, laying the foundation for its future as one of the world’s most respected education systems.

Question 8

What is a common tradition in the United States for the first day of school?

Accepted Answer

Families take photos with "first day of school" signs. - In the U.S., the first day of school often includes classroom icebreakers, teacher introductions, and getting to know the year’s schedule. Many families also take photos of their children with backpacks and "first day of school" signs.

Question 9

In Scotland, what is a fascinating superstition tied to the first day of school?

Accepted Answer

Rain on the first day is believed to bring academic success. - The Scottish believe that rain on the first day of school is a good omen, as it symbolizes growth and nourishment.

Question 10

In Russia, why do students give flowers to teachers on the first day of school?

Accepted Answer

As a sign of gratitude and respect for their future guidance. - On Knowledge Day, students traditionally present flowers to their teachers as a way to honor and thank them for their role in education.

Question 11

In South Korea, why do schools emphasize handwriting practice on the first day of school?

Accepted Answer

It is believed to shape a child’s personality and discipline. - In South Korea, neat handwriting is viewed as a reflection of a person’s character and an essential part of early education.

Question 12

In Kenya, what is a typical feature of classrooms in many rural schools?

Accepted Answer

Desks and chairs are often handmade and shared among multiple students. - In rural Kenya, many schools face resource shortages, leading to shared desks and improvised seating, though students and teachers remain highly motivated despite challenges.

Question 13

What event occurred on the first day of school in September 1939 that shocked the world?

Accepted Answer

The German invasion of Poland, starting World War II - On September 1, 1939, as students in Europe prepared for school, Germany’s invasion of Poland marked the beginning of World War II, drastically altering lives and education systems worldwide.

Question 14

In Finland, what special privilege is given to first graders on their first day of school?

Accepted Answer

Older students sing a welcome song and guide them to their classrooms. - Finnish schools prioritize a nurturing and welcoming environment, with older students playing a key role in making first graders feel at home.

Question 15

In South Africa, classrooms in urban schools often include which feature that reflects the country’s diversity?

Accepted Answer

Textbooks in multiple languages - In South Africa, education reflects the country’s cultural and linguistic diversity, with materials often available in various local languages to cater to students’ needs.

Back to School Around the World (Trivia)

2) In Japan, what is the traditional leather backpack that children use on their first day of school?

3) In Italy, what unique feature is often found in primary school classrooms?

4) On September 4, 1957, nine African-American students famously integrated Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. What were they collectively called?

5) What is the name of the celebration marking the first day of school in Russia, often featuring a "First Bell" ceremony?

6) In India, what is the name of the festival in Kerala that celebrates the first day of school?

7) What historic milestone in Finland’s education system began with the first day of school in August 1970?

8) What is a common tradition in the United States for the first day of school?

9) In Scotland, what is a fascinating superstition tied to the first day of school?

10) In Russia, why do students give flowers to teachers on the first day of school?

11) In South Korea, why do schools emphasize handwriting practice on the first day of school?

12) In Kenya, what is a typical feature of classrooms in many rural schools?

13) What event occurred on the first day of school in September 1939 that shocked the world?

14) In Finland, what special privilege is given to first graders on their first day of school?

15) In South Africa, classrooms in urban schools often include which feature that reflects the country’s diversity?