In today’s interconnected and rapidly evolving world, the imperative for young children to learn about the diverse cultures, landscapes, and ecosystems across the globe has never been more crucial. From the bustling streets of Tokyo, the rock-hewn churches of Ethiopia, or the serene jellyfish-filled lake in Palau, our planet offers a myriad of wonders waiting to be explored and understood.
The default human hardwiring that leads us to consuming bad news also creates a media landscape where it often appears (misleadingly) that everything everywhere is getting worse at a rate we can’t do anything about or control (statistically, the opposite is actually true). Exposing our children to the countless wonders and incredible cultures of the world functions was an antidote to the trying and non-stop negative news cycle. And in fact, it was in part because of that very news cycle that we created Country of the Week.
By fostering curiosity and understanding about the richness of human existence and natural diversity from an early age, we equip children with the perspective they need to become empathetic, informed, and responsible global citizens. We can help them build a baseline default understanding of the world before the negative news of the day starts to rain down upon them. Homeschooling provides an opportunity for this seldom found anywhere else.
GOOD PEOPLE (Empathy and Understanding)
At the heart of teaching children about the world lies the cultivation of empathy and cultural understanding. Through exposure to diverse cultures, traditions, and ways of life, children learn to appreciate the complexity and beauty of human diversity. By immersing themselves in stories, images, and interactive experiences from different corners of the globe, they develop empathy and respect for people whose lives may be vastly different from their own. This early exposure helps break down stereotypes and prejudices, fostering a more inclusive and harmonious society where individuals celebrate both the similarities and differences that make each culture unique.
Even back in 1869, Mark Twain understood the critical importance of seeking to understand the world outside of our own:
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.”
KNOW THINGS (Knowledge and Exploration)
Learning about the world ignites a sense of wonder and curiosity in children, sparking their innate thirst for knowledge and exploration. By delving into the geography, flora, and fauna of different regions, they gain a deeper understanding of the uniqueness of life on Earth. Understanding just how tall Mount Everest is when directly compared to where our home might be, or discovering the intricate ecosystems of the Amazon rainforest, each discovery opens up new avenues for exploration and learning. This sense of curiosity not only enriches their academic knowledge (and ours as parents as well) but also nurtures a lifelong passion for discovery and exploration, laying the foundation for a lifetime of learning and growth in an every smaller world.
ACTIVE CITIZENS (Critical Thinking Skills)
As Mark Twain reminded us, understanding the world beyond one’s immediate surroundings is essential for developing critical thinking skills. By grappling with complex concepts such as climate change, globalization, and cultural exchange, children learn to think critically and analytically about the world around them. They begin to ask probing questions about the causes and consequences of global issues (What do you mean, the country of the Maldives is expected to be entirely submerged in less than 80 years?!), empowering them to become informed advocates for positive change. In an era marked by rapid technological advancements and global challenges, fostering these critical thinking skills is essential for preparing children to navigate an increasingly complex world and become active participants in shaping its future.
THE FUTURE (Creativity and Adaptability)
Beyond intellectual growth, learning about the world also has practical benefits for children’s future success. In an increasingly interconnected global economy, proficiency in cross-cultural communication and collaboration is a valuable asset. By exposing children to different languages, customs, and business practices, we prepare them to thrive in a multicultural workplace where diversity is not just celebrated but embraced as a source of strength and innovation. This is especially true in a landscape as beautifully diverse as Canada. Moreover, studies have shown that students with international experience tend to have higher levels of creativity, adaptability, and problem-solving skills, all of which are essential for meaningful lives and careers in the 21st-century.
GOOD DECISIONS (Future Preparedness)
The Seventh Generations principle that Indigenous people have used for thousands of years gives us a framework to think about the future in a manner that instills a sense of stewardship for the planet and its inhabitants. By learning about the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the impact of human activities on the environment, our children will develop a sense of responsibility towards future generations and the natural world. They will begin to appreciate the delicate balance of nature and the importance of preserving biodiversity for the well-being of all living creatures. Armed with this understanding, they are more likely to adopt sustainable habits and advocate for environmental conservation in their communities, becoming stewards of the planet and agents of positive change.
THE QUESTION (So, Now What?)
With the unprecedented development of technology over the last 100 years, we have all become global citizens and so the following question must be asked:
What kind of global citizens should we, and more importantly, our children, become?
Do we want our children to bury their heads in the sand and focus only on our immediate communities, and then be left questioning why various external environmental or social factors might dare intrude on our quiet and peaceful lives?
Or do we want to encourage our youth to learn out the incredible life that exists beyond our postal codes, becoming inspired and intrigued by the world and letting that beauty colour not only our everyday personal lives, but our long term perspectives and sense of place on this earth?
The benefits of teaching children about the world are many and far-reaching. By nurturing empathy, curiosity, critical thinking, and global awareness from a young age, we lay the foundation for a more compassionate, intelligent, informed, and interconnected world.
As educators, parents, and caregivers, we must seize the opportunity to inspire the next generation of global citizens and empower them to make a positive difference in the world. The future of our planet depends on it.
Through thoughtful and intentional education and unique at home projects like Country of the Week, we can cultivate a generation of empathetic, informed, and responsible individuals who are equipped to tackle the challenges and embrace the opportunities of our increasingly interconnected world.
