Children Around the World
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What you will learn
- 1Explain that children everywhere share the same basic needs and feelings
- 2Name one cultural fact about each of six countries
- 3Appreciate the ways children around the world are alike and different
Mini Lesson
Right now, as you read this lesson, millions of children around the world are learning new things, playing with friends, eating meals with their families — just like you!
What all children share
- Every child in the world needs food, water, shelter, love, and safety — these are called basic needs.
- Every child feels happy, sad, excited, or scared at times — feelings are universal.
- Example: A child in Brazil and a child in Japan both feel excited on their first day of school, even though they speak different languages and eat different foods.
How children's lives differ
- Children may speak different languages, wear different clothing, and eat different foods.
- The games children play, the stories they hear, and the celebrations they enjoy reflect their culture.
One cultural fact per country
- Japan — Children bow to greet their teachers as a sign of respect.
- Brazil — Children often play soccer barefoot on sandy beaches.
- India — Many children celebrate Diwali by lighting small oil lamps called diyas.
- Kenya — Many children learn in Swahili and English at school.
- Norway — Children sled and ski in the snow as a favorite winter activity.
- Mexico — Children celebrate birthdays with a colorful papier-mâché piñata.
Words to know
Culture
The food, clothes, games, and traditions of one group of people
e.g. Each country has a different culture.
Basic needs
The things every person needs — food, water, shelter, love, and safety
e.g. All children share the same basic needs.
Universal
Shared by all people everywhere
e.g. Feelings are universal.
Cultural
Belonging to a particular culture
e.g. Breaking a piñata is a cultural tradition in Mexico.
Ask yourself: "Which of these cultural facts surprises you the most? What do you and a child from another country have in common?"
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