Understanding Other Cultures and Communicating our Ideas to Them

For Children and Youth

Understanding Other Cultures.

In this series of simple lessons, the focus is on Native Americans (Navajo, Sioux and Iroquois). Among the goals listed is the importance of understanding other cultures and peoples. A number of specific procedures are listed for studying the culture of each tribe. As a culminating activity, students learn what members of the three tribal cultures ate and how they made their food. Source: The Archeology Channel (The topic of Native Americans is listed under the resources of the Utah State University College of Education.)

Mexico, Our Neighbor to the South.

After providing several detailed paragraphs on the geography, history and culture of our neighbor to the south, this resource provides a number of "teacher activities" including "Día de los Muertos." As an alternative to celebrating Halloween, observe Día de los Muertos with your students on November 1st . The week before, have students prepare by researching different traditions and customs of Día de los Muertos. Students can create costumes, pictures and paintings to decorate the classroom. If possible, students can make pan de muerto, the traditional food eaten during Día de los Muertos. Also remind the students that many English words come from Spanish words. Students can make a list of English words and their Spanish counterparts. Another suggested activity is the Mexican Fiesta. Discuss different foods from Mexico, not only items such as burritos and tacos, but fruits and vegetables that originally came from that country. This resource also suggests a number of family activities such as learning the Spanish language together. If possible, parents might take their children to a Cinco de Mayo or Mexican Independence Day celebration. Source: www.brainpopjr.com/socialstudies/cultures/mexico/grownups.weml