The world is a diverse place full of culture and heritage. From the Latin American culture to the African diaspora, there are thousands of different cultures that make up the world. There’s no easier time than now to introduce your child to the different cultures of the world. But it can be difficult to know how to get your child interested in culture. When introducing your child to a new culture, it is important to make it fun and relatable. This article will give you some tips and ideas on how to get your child interested in culture- from books to videos, experiments to art, there are plenty of fun and creative ways to learn about different cultures.
What are Some Fun Ways To Introduce Different Cultures To Children?
Introducing a new culture to your child can be both exciting and intimidating. But it doesn’t have to be. There are a lot of fun and creative ways to introduce your child to different cultures. Here are some ideas that you can use to get your child interested in learning more about different cultures:
- Learning through games: Games and activities are a great way to introduce different cultures to your child. From card matching games to memory games and puzzles, there are lots of ways to make learning about different cultures fun.
- Virtual field trips: There’s no need to leave the comfort of your own home to take a field trip. Virtual field trips can give your child a chance to explore different cultures and destinations from the comfort of your own home.
- Books and Movies: Reading books and watching movies about different cultures is a great way for your child to learn about different customs and traditions.
- Cultural Foods: Try making different cuisine from different countries. This can be a great way to learn more about other cultures, learn about new ingredients, and try new flavors.
- Language Learning : Learning a new language can be a very rewarding experience and a great way to introduce a new culture. You don’t need to be a language expert to encourage your child to practice a new language. There are plenty of fun and creative ways to learn a new language and introduce a different culture to your child.
How Can I Make Cultural Concepts More Relatable For My Child?
It can be difficult for children to understand and relate to different cultures and customs. But there are a few things you can do to make cultural concepts more relatable for your child.
“Culture is the expression of our nature on how we live, interact, and communicate with each other as human beings.”
– Wande Abimbola
Firstly, you can try to explain the concept of culture in simple terms. Explain that culture is how we express ourselves and interact with each other. Explain that different cultures have different norms and behaviors. For example, in some cultures it is customary to take off your shoes when entering a home, while in other cultures it is not.
Another way to make culture more relatable for your child is to make it interactive. Have your child explore different cultures and make it hands-on. Get them to experience the different music, art, food, and customs of different cultures. You can try making traditional foods, or attending festivals to immerse your child in different cultures. You can also look for ways to make cultural concepts relatable to your own life. Make a connection between your own culture and a foreign culture, and try to make the connection clear to your child. This can be a great way to get your child interested in different cultures and help them relate to different cultures more closely.
Are There Any Child-Friendly Books or Videos About Culture?
Yes, there are some great child-friendly books and videos about different cultures. There are lots of books available for children of all ages, ranging from board books to chapter books to middle-grade novels. Nonfiction books are a great way to introduce different cultures to your child, as they often focus on history, geography, and customs. Here are some great books to get your child interested in different cultures:
- Cultural Journey Around the World by Barclay Butera
- Cultures of the World: A Coloring Book by Hélène Petit
- My Family’s Passport to Heritage by Emiko Davey
- This Is the Way We Eat Our Lunch by Judy Yeung
For younger children, there are also some great cultural videos available. From animated films to travel vlogs, there are lots of great videos to introduce different cultures to your child. Here are some great videos to get your child interested in different cultures:
- The Lion King (a great way to explore African culture)
- The Three Caballeros (a great way to explore Latin American culture)
- The Adventures of Peppa Pig: Chinese New Year Special (a great way to explore Chinese culture)
- Ukulele Kids Adventure: Indian Music (a great way to explore Indian culture)
What Are Some Simple Cultural Experiments We Can Do at Home?
Cultural experiments can be a great way to get your child interested in exploring different cultures. There are lots of simple experiments that you can do at home to introduce your child to different cultures. Here are some great experiments to get your child interested in learning about culture:
- Learn about Indian culture: You can make a homemade henna tattoo to explore Indian body art. All you need is water, coffee powder, tea bags, and henna powder to make your own henna paste.
- Explore traditional Chinese culture : You can explore Chinese culture by making a traditional Chinese paper-cut art project. You will need paper, scissors, and an x-acto knife.
- Learn about Japanese culture : You can explore Japanese culture by making a koinobori, or a Japanese carp streamer. You will need bamboo sticks, string, and fabric paint to make your own koinobori.
- Explore African culture : You can explore African culture by making an African mask. You will need paper, acrylic paint, and ribbon to make your own mask.
These are just a few ideas to get your child interested in culture. There are lots of other fun and creative ways to introduce your child to different cultures and make learning about culture fun and interactive.
Conclusion
Learning about different cultures can be a great way to appreciate and celebrate the diversity of the world. By introducing your child to different cultures, you can help them foster understanding, acceptance, and appreciation for people of different cultures. There are lots of fun and creative ways to get your child interested in culture, from books and movies to virtual field trips and activities. With a bit of creativity, you can make learning about culture interesting, interactive, and fun.
References
- Petit, Hélène. Cultures of the World: A Coloring Book. SkyCity Publishing Ltd., 2017.
- Yeung, Judy. This Is the Way We Eat Our Lunch. Scholastic Press, 2019.
- Abimbola, Wande. “Definition Of Culture.” Culture Initiatives, 8 Jan. 2021, www.cultureinitiatives.com/definition-of-culture/.