Kids as World Citizens

Map from Lucky Bamboo Book of Crafts
Map from Lucky Bamboo Book of Crafts

Recently my 6th grade daughter had a World Fair celebration at her school culminating from months of research and hard work. It was a gala evening where every student in her grade had a country represented with a tabletop display, interactive presentation, and oral knowledge to share with the crowds of family members. Did my daughter pick China? No, Ethiopa!

As I wandered from student to student, I was reminded again of the great opportunity parents and educators have to open up the world to kids and how eager and receptive they are to learn more, more, more. My teacher training was in elementary art and in the classroom I had it made. Each culture has such a rich history in handicraft, textiles, painting, sculpture…. the list is endless for curriculum ideas. But the bigger view of what a country symbolizes, reveres, and its unique mark on history is well within the capacity of understanding, even for young kids.

I know sometimes adults feel “art challenged” when working with kids. When you are using Lucky Bamboo Book of Crafts, perhaps a good place to start is with the Gateway to China section, exploring Chinese culture and sharing the factoids…. even jumping on to your tablet to dig deeper with specific topics on China or where questions are raised.

Then you may find that selecting and starting an art or craft project will happen more organically, based on the curiosity and interests of the kids and you all will have more confidence to be wonderfully creative.

2 thoughts on “Kids as World Citizens”

  1. I love your website! As a teacher and a mom of a bilingual child, I am always looking for new ideas for learning and teaching Mandarin. I just ordered your book off amazon, and can’t wait to get it and use it. I started a website called http://www.mandarinforme.com a few years ago to share free ideas and resources for learning Mandarin with others. If you have suggestions or comments love to hear it. Thank you!

    • Hello Mary,

      Thank you so much for your kind words and your purchase! Your website is fantastic and I look forward to spending time with it and sharing it with others! I will stay in touch! All my best, Jennifer DeCristoforo, Author/publisher Lucky Bamboo Book of Crafts

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