Country Investigations: Hands-On Learning Stations
Take advantage of the natural curiosity of your children by assigning them country investigations. While you can give your children library books for discovering countries, giving them a glimpse behind the scenes of some bold believers in countries that are hostile towards the gospel. The Voice of the Martyrs produces some amazing resources for helping inform children of what's going on in the world without making it too scary.
I'm focusing on Geography this week in my 31+ Days of Hands-On Learning Stations series, and today is all about learning about countries and cultures.
It's easy for my kids to get comfortable in their easy life. They are safe when they go to sleep, and safe when they go to church. Not everyone experiences that type of safety in their life.
Due to the sensitive nature of some of these activities, I would include the introduction to a country or culture that we are studying together in our morning time, and then assign some of the activities for the hands on learning stations.
Kids of Courage
Voice of the Martyrs has a website devoted to resources for teaching kids about the religions and people of the world. They have taken countries where Christianity is restricted and helped bring awareness through stories and activities through free PDF downloads when you register for their site. It's free, and it's an incredible resource. Here are some of the cool resources available:
Free Downloads
In the free downloads section, there are wonderful guides featuring over 30 different countries and cultures. The PDF guides are in full color. Each guide features:
- Country Facts
- History Facts
- Religion Facts
- Geography Facts
- Culture Facts
- Puzzles and Games
- Stories of Bold Believers
There are also lesson plans for the International Day of Prayer (IDOP) that are filled with great resources and games for learning about countries and cultures, and praying for them.
Additionally, they have student guides that accompany the Torchlighter DVDs. These videos follow the lives of men and women of Christian history. They are short, but powerful stories that inspire courage and faith. They're free to watch with Amazon Prime.
Additional Inspiration
This website holds a wealth of additional resources from videos of current believers and their struggles around the world.
I have been amazed at how my kids have responded to hearing the faith of other believers. It has softened their hearts towards believers around the world, and given them a desire to be people that have a faith like that. You never know what will come from a little inspiration.
What are some ways you like to help your children discover the world?
Check out more hands-on learning stations inspiration in my 31+ Days of Hands-On Learning series! Try these other geography inspired stations:
Betsy Strauss is an unexpected homeschooler, mother of three, who is in a relationship with a sweet man for life. She loves reading books, drinking coffee, and learning anything with her kids.