Teaching kids about World Showcase countries

[crazymomof4]

As I did with my older (now adult) kids, I am making up units about the WS countries and incorporating them into DD13's homeschooling curriculum for Social Studies.

I thought other parents (homeschoolers or not) here might appreciate this idea. The site I linked is specifically about Morocco but it could be a good reference to use and apply to each country represented by a pavillion.

Its cool to see your kids learning, PLUS they get more excited about the WS countries before a planned trip and get more out of the pavilions while you are there.

http://www.pbs.org/parents/adventures-in-learning/2013/11/livingroom-global-morocco/

 

[MandiC]

I never thought about going more in depth teaching about the countries before going but that is a great idea! I printed my kids passports that all the CMs in the world showcase just loved. It had a little info about each country, their capitol and how to pronounce some of the basic sayings (hello, good bye, please and thank you) Sometimes we would ask the CMs about proper pronunciation if we weren't sure. I'd talk to them a little as we were there about how some of the things in that 'country' fit with their culture. I'll have to remember to try to teach more in depth before our next trip

 

[roscoepc1]

Just be careful the sites you use are accurate and not falling for stereotypes. As a Canadian, I am actually quite disappointed in "our" pavilion...the store is so stereotyped it's pretty sad. And the beers they offered during Flower and Garden were PATHETIC varieties, and left my husband and I both saddened that people are going to think we actually drink that slop....when in reality, Canada makes amazing beer!

 

[usagibuffy]

We will be homeschooling kindergarten when we go. I plan to spend a week on each country ahead of time: learn a little about them, read a story from that country, make something (craft or food, but I'm not a good cook), and have a little booklet with some information in it. I'm very excited about it. :

 

[Nennie]

Just be careful the sites you use are accurate and not falling for stereotypes. As a Canadian, I am actually quite disappointed in "our" pavilion...the store is so stereotyped it's pretty sad. And the beers they offered during Flower and Garden were PATHETIC varieties, and left my husband and I both saddened that people are going to think we actually drink that slop....when in reality, Canada makes amazing beer!

So you guys don't sit around eating pretzel bread and cheese soup???

 

[crazymomof4]

We will be homeschooling kindergarten when we go. I plan to spend a week on each country ahead of time: learn a little about them, read a story from that country, make something (craft or food, but I'm not a good cook), and have a little booklet with some information in it. I'm very excited about it. :

 

[Maggie at the Fort]

I did a preschool version with my 3 year old before our last trip. We did simple things like color flags, listen to music, and her favorite: plan a meal for each country.
It was a lot of fun. I know your daughter is older but I bet cooking together would still be a hit!