From Reggae to Recipes: Discovering Jamaica

Mrs. Wray Brings Jamaican Culture to Life for Year 3 Students

We were delighted to welcome Mrs. Wray, mother of Mya in Year 3, who recently delivered an engaging and enlightening lesson on Jamaican culture, captivating the pupils with fascinating insights into the island’s history, traditions, and culinary delights.

The session began with an overview of Jamaica’s mining and cooking processes. Mrs.Wray explained how metals are extracted from rocks through heating and chemical treatments, and how these materials are then used in cooking. Pupils learned about traditional Jamaican dishes such as fish and dumplings, porridge, and baked goods, as well as the use of fruits like nutmeg and lime in local drinks.

The lesson then explored Jamaica’s rich cultural traditions. Mrs. Wray described unique Christmas customs, including the use of sugarcane as a substitute for pine trees, and the sharing of food with family and friends. Year 3 were introduced to traditional festive treats like sorrel drink – a bright red, spiced drink made from dried sorrel (hibiscus) flowers, ginger, and rum and Black Cake / fruit cake, and gained insight into the importance of family and community celebrations.

Language and heritage were also a focus of the session. Mrs. Wray explained the origins of Jamaican Patois, a creole language developed by African slaves as a linguistic solution to oppression, blending African languages and English so enslaved people could communicate, maintain cultural identity, and adapt to life under slavery. Mrs. Wray taught the girls how to say a few words:

English / Jamaican Patois

What’s up?
Wah gwaan?

I’m here.
Mi deh yah.

How are you?
How yuh duh?

Are you good?
Yuh good?

Are you okay?
Yuh okay?

To make the lesson interactive, Mrs. Wray hosted a quiz covering Jamaican history, geography, music, and cuisine. Pupils tested their knowledge of the country’s capital, famous reggae artists, national dishes, iconic sprinters, and historical milestones such as independence. At the end of the session, Mrs. Wray handed out brightly colored balloons—something that would be given to children during the vibrant Jamaican Christmas festivities.

The session was not only educational but also celebratory, highlighting Jamaica’s vibrant culture, traditional foods, and the warmth of its community spirit. Year 3 students left with a deeper appreciation for the island nation and a newfound curiosity about its unique heritage.