"Girandole"

"Girandole" - is a rotating and radiating firework
-an ornate bracket for candelabra or the like, sometimes with a reflecting mirror at the back of the shelf.
-a brooch or earring consisting of a central ornament with usually three smaller ornaments hanging from it

What came to my mind when I heard this word for the first time? I knew right away it had something to do with motion/movement. The word "girar" in Spanish means to do spin around the central point.

How can I relate this word to the courses I teach? I thought of God's eye (a ritual tool, magical object and cultural symbol evoking the weaving motif and its spiritual associations). Teaching culture can be a challenge sometimes. I try to stay away from teaching facts or simply tons of information of a particular country. I try to incorporate things that students can relate and can do/make in class. Teaching this lesson gives me the opportunity not only to teach culture but to practice listening speaking. I can teach my students how to make one in class using the target language while they get a little taste of the culture.

A craft from the Huichol tribe of Mexico, kids can easily create many of these colorful God's Eyes with Popsicle sticks and yarn.
What you'll need:
· String or yarn in several colors
· 2 Popsicle or craft sticks
· Glue
· Scissors
How to make it:
1. Glue the two craft sticks together in a cross.
2. Take one color of yarn and wrap it over and around one stick, then over and around the next, over and around the next, and so on. Keep doing that until the color is used up.
3. Tie a different color string onto the old one with a tight knot.
4. Repeat steps 2 + 3 until complete.
5. Take a piece of string for a hanger, cut it, and tie or glue it to your God's Eye. Hang it up in your room to enjoy.