Monday, December 16, 2019

Preparing Children For World Travel Before Ever Leaving Home

There's no greater 
teaching experience 

than

traveling abroad
meeting new people
seeing the world

(the gift we strive to give our children)

but before ever

stepping into an airport
getting their passport(s) stamped
or boarding an airplane

we can prepare them
to value and appreciate 

the lifestyle
the customs
the cultural norms

of people 

everywhere

Here are five things to help
prepare children for world travel...
------------------------------------------

Music

Although our approach to music may vary...

Music is universal! 

steel drums
harmonicas
wind chimes
banjoes

the instruments
the instrumentation

the way we use (and enjoy) music often reflects
the diversity in the ways in which we approach life

easy...
laid back...
fast-paced...
heart pounding...

Music helps tell our stories!

as well as...

------------------------------------

Books
"World Snack Series" by Amy Wilson Sanger


Stories of truth and resilience

places
people
history

captured between the pages
passed down through oral tradition

provide an introduction

as you prepare...

------------------------------------------

Activities

(Children learn best through hands-on play
w/ meaningful interactions and conversations)

"My Granny Went to Market"
by Stella Blackstone and Christopher Corr


"travel" with Granny

(or Grammie)
(or Grandma)

as she shops in...

Istanbul
Thailand
Mexico
China

(and a few other "exotic" locations)


encourage children to duplicate granny's magic
carpet by creating their own unique patterns

Dhurrie Rug- Paper Piecing Activity


then visit the marketplace

to engage the senses
by introducing

scents
spices
flavors



-provide a mortar and pestle
-make spice smelling jars
-add cumin to play dough

allowing children to acquaint themselves
with the fragrance of spices

before adding them to...

-------------------------------------

Food

Introduce your child's palate to global flavors
through the use of seasonings, spices, and herbs

by...

incorporating new flavor profiles into
foods your child already eats and enjoys

Watermelon, Cucumber, Jicama
w/ chili salt, and a splash of lime
(Chile)


Need ideas?


"Around the World in 80 Purees"
by Leena Saini

is an excellent introduction of flavor
for infants as young as 6 months

start early
start young
start at home

The best part?

Recipes are categorized by region so that you can
"travel the world" without ever leaving your kitchen!


Roasted potatoes and rainbow carrots
(North Africa)
-------------------------------------

and finally...

Field Trips

fairs
festivals
parades

museums
and

cultural art exhibits

get out of the house
see an exhibit
meet someone

as a fun way to introduce the beauty
of culture and prepare for world travel!

Travel the world with us?

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