Kickstart 2025 with Global Learning: Why Geography and Culture Matter for Kids

Hi, I’m Akeelah, founder of Little Global Citizens. As we step into the New Year, there’s no better time to spark curiosity and empathy in our children by teaching them about the world. My boys and I are diving into geography and cultural studies this month, and I’d love for your family to join us!

This post is packed with engaging activities, hands-on crafts, and ideas to make global learning fun. Whether you’re homeschooling, following a Montessori curriculum, or looking for ways to incorporate cultural education into your daily life, let’s explore why geography and culture matter for kids this year.

Why Global Learning Matters

Teaching kids about geography and culture is about more than just maps and landmarks:

• Fosters Empathy: Kids learn to appreciate different perspectives and traditions.

• Encourages Curiosity: Exploring the world ignites a natural desire to learn.

• Builds Confidence: Understanding global connections helps children feel empowered and informed.

By making geography fun and interactive, kids develop a lifelong love of learning and a deeper connection to the world around them.

1. India: Celebrating Holi with Color

Holi, the Festival of Colors, is celebrated in early spring, typically in March, marking the arrival of the season and the triumph of good over evil.

Activity: Create a Holi-Inspired Artwork

• Materials: Colored powders or chalk, paper, and glue.

• Instructions: Draw a design with glue, then sprinkle colored powder or crushed chalk to create a vibrant artwork.

• Why It’s Fun: This activity introduces kids to the vibrant spirit of Holi through art.

Fun Fact: During Holi, people of all ages throw colored powders, dance, and sing in the streets!

2. Brazil: Samba into Carnival

Carnival in Brazil is a dazzling celebration filled with music, parades, and dancing. It’s a time for communities to come together and express their culture.

Activity: Make a Carnival Mask

• Materials: Cardstock, feathers, glitter, and elastic string.

• Instructions: Cut a mask shape, decorate it with colorful feathers and glitter, then attach an elastic string to wear it.

• Why It’s Fun: Kids will love crafting their own Carnival mask while learning about this lively tradition.

Fun Fact: Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival is the largest in the world, with millions of participants each year!

3. Australia: Discover Indigenous Dot Art

Australia’s Indigenous cultures are among the oldest in the world, and dot painting is a significant art form that tells stories about the land and ancestors.

Activity: Create a Dot Painting

• Materials: Cotton swabs, paint, and dark paper.

• Instructions: Use cotton swabs to paint dots in patterns or shapes that tell a story.

• Why It’s Fun: This hands-on activity lets kids explore storytelling through art while learning about Australia’s rich cultural heritage.

Fun Fact: Traditional dot paintings often depict Dreamtime stories, which explain the origins of the world.

How Little Global Citizens Makes Geography Fun

At Little Global Citizens, we believe in making learning accessible and enjoyable with our downloadable PDFs, which include:

• Step-by-step craft guides for activities like mask-making and painting.

• Printable maps and templates to help kids visualize and engage with geography.

• Storytelling prompts to bring global traditions to life.

Our resources are designed for kids aged 5-12 and are perfect for families and teachers looking to incorporate hands-on global learning into their routines.

Bringing It All Together

1. Interactive World Map Activity

• Use a globe or map to locate India, Brazil, and Australia. Discuss how geography influences their unique celebrations.

2. Storytelling Time

• Read traditional tales like India’s The Legend of Holika, Brazil’s Folktales of the Amazon, or Australia’s Dreamtime Stories.

3. Family Challenges

• Try creating a Holi-inspired snack, like colorful fruit kebabs, or host a mini Carnival dance party!

Which Activity Will You Try First?

This week, my boys and I are creating Carnival masks and exploring dot art. I’d love to hear about your family’s global learning adventures! Share your experiences in the comments or tag us on social media.

Let’s make this year one of discovery and connection!