crazymomof4
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jan 12, 2003
Suddenly, I discovered that we only have 10 weeks until our trip. So I got right on to a little "program" I like to do with my kids before we go to WDW. (last time was 9 yrs ago.)
Starting 10 weeks before we leave, once/week one of the foreign countries of the World Showcase is chosen and we learn as much as we can about that country. I go to the library and get age-appropriate books and Videos (if they have them, but I usually have to get these sent in from other branches to my local branch). We learn stuff like where the country is on the globe, native dress, music and foods, geography, points of interest, some history, and a few words in the language.(a while back, someone posted how to say "hello" in each language and I copied it, so we will use that). I also will read a children's book/story based in the country, like "Hansel and Gretel" for Germany and "Tikki Tikki Tembo" and "Ping" for China. If possible, I try to make a dinner using foods/recipes native to that country. Nothing exotic, for ex. this week we are studying Germany and tomorrow I'm making "Schnitzel" (breaded chicken cutlet) and German Potato Salad.
This can be a great learning experience for children of all ages (mine are 2-14) and it really helps them appreciate and enjoy the WS more when we are there.
[PS- I know there are 11 countries in the WS but like I said I "suddenly" discovered we have only 10 weeks, so I decided to skip the US bc. they get SO MUCH learning about our own country in school, while the foreign studies are really just covered lightly and not until the higher grades.]
Starting 10 weeks before we leave, once/week one of the foreign countries of the World Showcase is chosen and we learn as much as we can about that country. I go to the library and get age-appropriate books and Videos (if they have them, but I usually have to get these sent in from other branches to my local branch). We learn stuff like where the country is on the globe, native dress, music and foods, geography, points of interest, some history, and a few words in the language.(a while back, someone posted how to say "hello" in each language and I copied it, so we will use that). I also will read a children's book/story based in the country, like "Hansel and Gretel" for Germany and "Tikki Tikki Tembo" and "Ping" for China. If possible, I try to make a dinner using foods/recipes native to that country. Nothing exotic, for ex. this week we are studying Germany and tomorrow I'm making "Schnitzel" (breaded chicken cutlet) and German Potato Salad.
This can be a great learning experience for children of all ages (mine are 2-14) and it really helps them appreciate and enjoy the WS more when we are there.
[PS- I know there are 11 countries in the WS but like I said I "suddenly" discovered we have only 10 weeks, so I decided to skip the US bc. they get SO MUCH learning about our own country in school, while the foreign studies are really just covered lightly and not until the higher grades.]
Wow! I went to the library today and checked out books about the different countries for kids. Plus, I got a CD called National Anthems of the World that my kids can listen to while marching (and crawling) with the flags that they will make. We also got a recipe book for kids called Kids Around the World Cook! The Best Foods and Recipes from Many Lands by Arlette Braman. The book is really fun with easy recipes and lots of good information.
