8 Ways
to Explore World
Cultures This Summer
USA’s not the only country celebrating
a big day this summer. A quick Internet
search will bring up videos, crafts, and
activities for learning about Sweden’s
Midsummer Day or the Dragonboat
Festival in China. Whether it’s France’s
Bastille Day or the Running of the Bulls
in Spain, summertime provides many
opportunities to celebrate international
holidays.
Read books celebrating
cultural diversity. Multicultural
books with rich illustrations give kids
the opportunity to explore universal
themes and to imagine what it’s like to
be a child in another country. Morales
recommends three children’s books that
bring cultures alive: The Name Jar by
Yangsook Choi; Africa is Not a Coun-
try by Margy Burns Knight; and Finders
Keepers? A True Story in India by Rob-
ert Arnett. Ask your librarian for other
suggestions of books with international
themes.
— by Sandi Ha