The world has two fields of thought about avocados: sweet or salty. When people in Mexico, the United States, and Canada think of avocados, we think “guacamole with chips.” In Brazil, Morocco, and Ethiopia, the avocado is usually mixed with sugar in creamy drinks. Whichever side of the debate you’re on, you have to try this layered juice drink from Ethiopia, known as “spris.” Continue reading
Do you want to have a blast with your kids- getting fresh air and exercise, while they explore and learn about maps and geography? Geocaching is a world-wide hide-and-seek treasure hunt, and anyone with a GPS (or smart phone!) can participate. Continue reading
Posted in Around the World, Field Trips and Travel, Geography
I recently heard the term geo-literacy, and guessed that it had something to do with understand the world and how it works. Daniel C. Edelson, PhD is the VP for Education and executive director of the National Geographic Education Foundation, and has written numerous articles about geoliteracy and he lists three components: Continue reading
Posted in Around the World, Geography
Tagged education, geo-literacy, multicultural, science, social studies
Flags in their basic form are pieces of fabric flown from poles, that identify countries or groups of people. But the colors, symbols, and designs of the flags hold so much more information about the people and cultures they represent. People may be able to distinguish and recognize numerous flags- but how many times do we really have insights into their background? My husband shared the fascinating legend behind the Mexican flag to my kids and I:
Today’s post about Korean Children’s Day is written by Gina of famiglia&seoul. She wonderfully explains the traditions and beautiful origin of this holiday that celebrates our children. Thank you so much for sharing a bit of Korean culture!
Grady is wearing his traditional Korean hanbok here...it is worn for their 1st birthday
“Children are the future of our nation. Let’s show respect for children. Children who grow up with ridicule and contempt from others will become people who disrespect others, while children who grow up with respect from others will become people who respect others in turn.” ~Bang Jeong-hwan, founder of Children’s Day. Continue reading
Boba tea, or “bubble tea,” is a Taiwanese sensational beverage that originated in hot and steamy Taichung, Taiwan tea shops during the 1980s. My friend Grace recently took me on a trip to our local Chinatown to get the ingredients and explain to me how to make this fun drink.
I had no idea it was SO EASY!:)
This is the second in a series of articles on real families who are embracing and incorporating cultures and languages into their lives. If you you would like to be featured, send us a note. Today’s post is written by JR Hammerschmidt, US American mother of 2 adorable little girls.
I live in Belgium with my family, which includes my husband and my two daughters, an 18 month old and a 6 year old. Belgium is a small country in western Europe, bordered by four different countries: Germany, France, Luxemburg, and the Netherlands. At the crossroads of so many different cultural and linguistic influences, Belgium is a very diverse place. Dutch, French, and German are the three official languages here. We live in the Dutch-speaking city of Ghent.
My daughter on a sunny day in Ghent
Both my husband and I are foreigners in Belgium: he is German, and I am US American. Before we came to Belgium, we already had a mix of our two different languages and cultures at home. Continue reading
Posted in Belgium, Europe, Field Trips and Travel, Language, The Netherlands, Travel with Kids
Tagged living abroad, real families
I’ve picked 5 toys that every little kid loves to play with (blocks, instruments, dolls, play food, games) and then I’ve chosen a version that has a global twist. Internationalize your toy box at home or at school with these great picks!
Posted in Around the World, Games and Toys
Tagged education, kindergarten, multicultural, preschool, resources for schools
Learn about Japanese haiku, read about Bosho- the master of haiku, write your own, and even enter an international haiku contest!
Photo: Public Domain
When Matsuo Bashō (1644–1694) was a child in Japan, he fell in love with a type of poetry that began with a verse of 5-7-5 syllables. He traveled his homeland island writing short poems about his experiences of his travels. Centuries later, when this stanza was presented to stand-alone, it was named the haiku 俳句. Basho’s incredibly rich anthologies of his poems have made him one of the most beloved poets in the history of Japan. Teach your children about Basho with the following books and resources, and then write a haiku together- all while learning a bit about Japanese culture! Continue reading
Posted in Asia, Japan, Literature, People
Tagged Basho, biography, education, fiction children's books, multicultural, poetry, writing
Before we make Las Enchiladas Suizas, I’d like to debunk a common myth about Mexico: Cinco de Mayo is NOT Independence Day. Mexican Independence Day, the most important national holiday in Mexico, is September 16th. Cinco de Mayo on the other hand, isn’t really celebrated in Mexico, but rather is popular in the US as a patriotic holidays for Mexican-Americans. May 5th actually commemorates the Mexican army’s victory (on May 5, 1862) over the occupying French troops in the Battle of Puebla, a surprising and inspirational victory in one battle in the war against France. Mexico lost the war and Maximiliano became the short-lived emperor, ruling from 10 April 1864 – 19 Jun 1867. 
How is this related to Enchiladas Suizas? Rolling tortillas around foods Continue reading
