International Children's Activities

One of the most effective ways to teach children about different cultures is to expose them to international activities that can provide them with a hands-on introduction to other peoples and their way of life. More than by simply reading a book, engaging in international activities allows children to feel, touch, taste and experience a bit of how life is lived in other cultures without leaving the comforts of home.

  1. World Music

    • Music is a powerful teaching tool that can include learning about the instruments that are native to different cultures, plus learning tribal or popular dances. Any activities that involve listening, playing, or dancing to what is called "world music" can help children understand other cultures. Putumayo Kids is a children̵7;s record label with a collection of world music geared toward youngsters. Some of their CDs include "African Dreamland" and "Celtic Dreamland" (calming and relaxing songs), and "Brazilian Playground" and "European Playground" (upbeat songs). "Brazilian Playground" features several of Brazil̵7;s musical styles including samba and bossa nova. You can listen to music samples and download song lyrics for each CD from the Putumayo Kids website. There is even a video to go with some of the songs.

    Ethnic Foods

    • Eating foods from other countries is an international activity that you can easily do with your children. Whether dining out at a local restaurant that specializes in serving international food or preparing the food yourself, sampling other cuisines can be an eye-opening as well as mouth-watering activity. Some ethnic foods that are easy to make at home include Mexican salsa, Indian bhakari bread, and Chinese beef-and-broccoli stir-fry.

    Language Learning

    • From saying ̶0;hello̶1; to speaking simple phrases, learning a new language is an international activity that you can take part in with your children. To learn a new language, you can enroll in classes together, listen to CD lessons, read books, or watch DVD programs. The Boca Beth program, for example, includes CDs and DVDs that parents and children can use to learn Spanish together. The program presents Spanish and English lessons side-by-side to maximize learning. If you and your child become proficient in another language, you may also want to visit an area where the language is spoken.

    Art Projects

    • With crayons or paints, draw maps of other countries, or images of their flags. Research with your child art forms that are specific to other cultures. For example, you can learn about Japan by making origami projects, using the traditional Japanese art of paper-folding. By folding a single sheet of paper in very specific ways, your child can make boats, animals, or decorative shapes.

    Cultural Festivals

    • Attending a cultural fair or festival can make for an international family activity. International fairs and festivals feature the food, arts, and music of one or various cultures. Some fairs or festivals, like the annual International Children̵7;s Festival at Wolf Trap in Fairfax County, Virginia, are interactive and allow attendees to participate in cultural activities through demonstrations and performances. At this festival, children can get a passport and travel the world. As they complete each international activity, they earn a stamp in their passports.

      International Children's Festival
      Arts Council of Fairfax County
      4022 Hummer Road
      Annandale, VA 22003
      (703) 642-0862
      internationalchildrensfestival.com

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