How to teach kids about cultures and the world?
A really fun part of living at the Yachana in Ecuador’s Amazon Jungle, is getting to visit with the guests and volunteers that come to help at the Lodge. The volunteers especially are often here for several weeks. We’ve had people visit from Denmark, Germany, England, Japan, Australia and the U.S. My favorite way to teach kids about cultures and the world? Invite people from around the world to be guest instructors in your homeschool!
At first I was nervous at first to ask anyone to share a lesson or give a presentation or whatever, but I shouldn’t have been! People have been so ready to share bits about their life, their upbringing, the place they call home. It’s going to be a great way to continue to “explore the world” as we homeschool from our home in Ecuador.
Prepare Your Kids
In preparation for your guest visit, here are some tips to get the most out of your visit!
- Ask your kids to think of some questions. It may be about the guest’s home country or just about meeting and conversing with a new person. And think of some questions yourself.
- Have a world map or globe close. A screen to quickly look up photos or videos of places, traditions, animals, plants, food etc. that they talk about can also be helpful. Or just take notes of these things and look them up later.
- Food is a great way to experiene and share culture too- perhaps prepare a refreshment or cook something together with your guest.
- Take notes of ideas and inspiration to keep the learning going! Perhaps there’s a tradition you could look more into or an art/craft project, maybe you want to learn to say a phrase in every language you can! There are so many possibilities. Write about what you learned and take a picture, you can create a “travel book” about places around the world as you continue to host guests.
What about Socialization
It’s a pretty common question and concern for people who don’t understand homeschooling. This is just one example of how being at home, dancing to our own groove, has provided opportunities to get to know people from around the world. We’re learning to understand other cultures and sometimes in different languages. I am reminded that people are good. In addition to learning about cultures, geography and more from these guest instructors from around the world, we are socializing with them! Asking questions, listening, commenting, sharing.
English Teacher Volunteer From Australia
I recently asked an English teacher volunteer from Australia to do a small lesson for my kids. As homeschoolers, I love opportunities to switch things up, to learn from life and from the people who come into our lives. So one afternoon she came up to the house and we gathered around.
We learned about some of Australia’s history, their indigenous people, all the languages that used to be spoken in Australia and their method of “writing” with art and pictures using dots. She told us the tradition of “dream time” and a story that basically explains their version of a creation of the world. She highlighted some of the animals unique to Australia like kangaroos and wabi’s. We found some of the vocabulary that is different in Australia than what we know from the United States, even though it’s all English! We continued a few days later with an art project, using sticks as dots and trying to incorporate some of the common known symbols.
Agriculture and Eco Project Volunteer from Denmark
Another volunteer was from Denmark but he actually works on a working sailboat. It was so cool to learn about the sails and climbing the mast. We talked about working as a team and doing your part. The importance of keeping things “ship shape”. Needing to hold onto both your plate and cup as you ate for the rocking of the ship on the waves. He even taught a few knots that should come in handy as the kids are always building or rigging up things.
It’s a fascinating world we live in. We have enjoyed visiting with people from so many different places. I was nervous at first to ask anyone to share a lesson or give a presentation or whatever, but I shouldn’t have been! People have been so ready to share bits about their life, their upbringing, the place they call home. It’s going to be a great way to continue to “explore the world” as we homeschool from our home in Ecuador.
How Can You Volunteer in Ecuador?
If you are also interested in spending some time doing some good and seeing Ecuador’s Amazon Jungle, we’d love to have you. The Yachana Foundation has opportunities for volunteers to come help as English teacher assistants at the local school or with agriculture projects. If you would like more information, visit the Yachana website.
