Right now, you’re probably quarantined at home with the kids because of COVID-19. While actual travel might currently be out of the question, you can still see the world and experience different cultures with a little help from your imagination and the Internet. Rather than sticking your child in front of the TV or video games for entertainment, why not use this time to discover and explore unfamiliar territories? Here are ways you can teach your kids about different cultures even when travel is out of the picture.
Read Books
Activity books are an excellent way to introduce your kids to various cultures. They can learn about the history and religions of different types of people. They can also explore things that people from around the world do and eat that are totally different from what they experience in their lives. Reading is an excellent way to see the world without ever leaving the comfort of your home. There are many different activity books where children can solve puzzles, take quizzes, and color to make their learning experience fun. You can download many books for free online.
Learn Through Arts And Crafts
Arts and crafts are a fantastic way to introduce children to different cultures through online learning. They can learn about Japanese culture while trying out calligraphy or origami. Your kids can have fun learning about Spain by making homemade Maracas with some dried beans, water-based paints, and small paper bags. You can teach them interesting facts about South American culture through knitting with wool. Many sweaters, bedding, teddy bears, and rugs are made from Alpaca fibers that are incredibly strong.
Explore Various Transportation Methods
You can learn interesting facts about the ways different cultures move about in the world. They can discover information such as how far a helicopter has ever traveled without landing, which is 2,213 miles. Your children can learn about different kinds of trains, planes, automobiles, and other modes of transportation. Take them outside and teach them about car maintenance for when they may actually get to travel for real. They need to know basic things like how to change a tire or change their oil every 5,000 miles.
Cook Cultural Dishes Together
You and your child can have fun in the kitchen exploring various recipes from around the world. There are many different recipes you can find online for some authentic dishes. You can make some noodle dishes that are popular in Japan, China, and Korea. Or, you could make Mexican tamales or a traditional Puerto Rican treat. With so many delicious options, you’re sure to find something that will be an exciting new treat for your child while learning where the dish came from.
While you’re stirring up new dishes in the kitchen, why not put the food to good use and throw a culture party? Pick a country you would like to celebrate and plan everything around that particular culture. You can dress up in clothes that the people in that country wear, serve dishes they would eat, and play the music they would listen to. It’s a fantastic way to teach your kids about cultural diversity and give them a chance to experience it for themselves all from your home.
Try A New Language
You and your child can learn different languages from other countries together by watching video tutorials or using fun language learning apps. You can stick to basic phrases such as how to say hello or thank you. If you do end up traveling later on, they will already have a head start on being able to speak with the natives of that country.
Find A Penpal
There are numerous websites online where you can introduce your child to a child from another country. Exchanging pen pal letters can give your child insight into the daily lives of others from around the world. Not only will they learn educational facts about other countries, but they will also be able to build strong emotional connections that can last a lifetime.
Check Out Educational Websites
There are many websites and online videos that can give children a visual representation of what things are like in other cultures. They can take visual tours of important landmarks, world-class museums, and other historical sites. These websites and online videos help kids explore geographical locations and the issues kids face in various parts of the world. They can explore how holidays and traditions are celebrated in each country and explore different forms of art. Your children can experience what life is really like somewhere else while still being in the comfort of their own home.
Play Games
You can help your child learn about various games that children play around the world and have them try some out. They might have fun playing Takraw, which is a Thai version of hackysack. If your child likes board games, they might be entertained by playing Mancala. See what kinds of games you can discover with your child to help them learn more about other cultures. They’ll have fun activities that they can share with their friends while sharing cultural diversity at the same time.
By teaching your children about different cultures, they will develop more empathy and respect for the differences around them. These activities are a great way to introduce them to the world around them and can benefit them far into adulthood. And you can do it all from the comfort of your home.
