Country Visits

We're gearing up for our class visit to China.  The kids and I research and read all about a different country each month to develop our understanding of different cultures as well as to enhance our foundational geography skills.  I incorporate reading, writing, research, presentation skills, science and social studies in most country studies.  I LOVE to learn and this is one way that the kids and I can learn together.   Lucky me, I just received a new student who moved to the US this month from the UK.  Even luckier, he has previously lived in Shanghai.  Still luckier his mum was willing to come in to share photos and stories of their time there.  The kids were enthralled!  They just loved every moment of her engaging storytelling.  I can't wait to hear the parents relate their child's excitement at learning that the reason the Chinese take their shoes off upon entering a house is because it is not uncommon to "have a poo or wee in the street."  I'm sure this fabulous fact will also make their homework on Tuesday night when they write "What I Learned About China".

Here's our list of countries for the year.  I'm really looking forward to Tanzania. I love to learn about countries in Africa.