Travel Unit Wrap-Up: Preschoolers Explore The Globe

Teaching preschoolers about the world is a fun and effective way to expose them to different countries and cultures. There are many creative ways to wrap up a preschool world travel unit. For instance, you could have students create their own passports and brief reflections on what they saw and enjoyed about the places they visited. Alternatively, you could have them create paper hats depicting different cultures and holidays, such as a toque for winter in Canada or a St. Patrick's Day top hat. Another idea is to have students make their own world using blue paper to represent water and adding green land. They can then use a Q-tip to trace the path of different forms of transportation.

Create passports and suitcases

Creating passports and suitcases is a fun way to spark children's interest in travel and adventure. Here are some ideas and instructions to get you started:

Passports:

• You can find free printable passports online, which you can download and print. These usually have a simple design with blank pages that can be decorated and customized.
• Alternatively, you can make your own from scratch. Provide the children with blue paper or card stock for the cover and yellow paper for the inside pages. They can cut and assemble their passports, adding their photo, name, and any other details they wish to include.
• Passports can be decorated with stickers, stamps, or drawings. You can find travel-themed stickers or stamps online or at craft stores.
• If you want to include passport photos, take pictures of the children and print them in a small size to glue into their passports.
• As the children "travel" to different countries, they can add stamps or stickers to their passports, pretending to go through customs.

Suitcases:

• For the suitcases, you can provide the children with cardboard boxes, preferably ones with a lid that can be opened and closed. Shoe boxes or similar-sized boxes work well.
• The children can then decorate their boxes with paint, markers, stickers, or any other craft materials you have available.
• To add a fun element of fine motor skills practice, punch holes around the edges of the box and provide the children with yarn or string. They can thread the yarn through the holes to create a stitched effect on their suitcases.
• Once the suitcases are ready, the children can "pack" them with items they might need for their imaginary travels. This could include clothing, toiletries, books, or any other essentials.
• You can also provide them with printable travel tickets, which they can decorate and add to their suitcases.
• If you want to add a more interactive element, create "customs forms" that the children have to fill out, declaring the items they are "bringing" on their trip.

Creating passports and suitcases is a fun, hands-on activity that will engage children's creativity and imagination. It's a great way to introduce them to the excitement of travel and explore different cultures and countries.

Learn about different modes of transport

Learning about different modes of transport is an exciting and educational activity for preschoolers. It is one of the first things young children do when they begin to communicate with their families. From toy cars to strollers, bicycles to aeroplanes, there is a lot to discover in the world of transportation.

Land, Air, or Water?

You can start by teaching them about the three main types of transportation: land, air, and water. This will give them a basic understanding of the different modes of transport. Then, you can dive into the specific vehicles that fall under each category.

Water Transportation

Water transportation has been around for a long time and is still important today. There are many types of water transport, such as ships, boats, and ferries. Ships are usually used for long-distance travel and carrying large amounts of goods. Boats are smaller and can be used for fishing, leisure, or local transport. Ferries are a fun way to get across rivers or short sea distances and are often a favourite among educational trips.

Air Transportation

Aeroplanes are the most common form of air transport and come in various sizes, from small propeller planes to large commercial airliners. Helicopters can take off and land vertically, making them useful for rescues and emergencies. Hot air balloons are an older form of air transport and offer a peaceful way to travel, floating through the sky.

Land Transportation

Cars are the most familiar mode of land transport, and it is worth exploring the different types, such as electric vehicles and SUVs. Bicycles are another simple and eco-friendly option that teaches children about exercise and sustainability. Other vehicles to discuss include motorcycles, scooters, buses, and trucks.

Rail Transportation

Rail transport is crucial for modern societies. There are various types of trains, such as intercity, high-speed, commuter, regional, and local trains. Freight trains are designed for transporting goods, with different types of cars depending on the cargo. Light rail and trams operate within cities, with trams running on street-level tracks. Metro or subway systems are built underground or elevated to move passengers within big cities quickly.

Wrapping Up

By learning about these different modes of transportation, preschoolers can expand their vocabulary, enhance their spatial awareness, and gain a better understanding of the world around them. So, grab some maps, books, and toys, and let's get rolling!

Explore world cuisine

Exploring world cuisine is a fantastic way to introduce young children to new cultures and flavours, and it can be a fun and educational activity for preschoolers. Here are some ideas to incorporate this into your preschool world travel unit:

Choose a Variety of Cuisines

Select a range of dishes from different countries and continents to give your preschoolers a diverse culinary experience. For example, you could try Mexican enchiladas, Argentine cookies, Italian caprese salads, and Indian curries. This will expose them to a wide array of flavours and cultural traditions.

Connect Food to Geography

Help your preschoolers understand where the food comes from by locating the countries on a map or globe. Talk about the different regions of the world and the types of food commonly eaten there. For instance, you could discuss how cheese plates are popular while riding trains through Europe, or how certain fruits or vegetables are native to specific areas.

Get Hands-On with Cooking

Involve the preschoolers in the cooking process! They can help prepare ingredients, mix and measure, and assemble dishes. This will not only teach them about different types of food but also develop their motor skills and introduce basic math concepts like measuring and counting. Some recipes that are well-suited for preschoolers include:

• Peanut butter cookies
• Fruit salads
• Rice Krispies treats
• Mini pizzas
• Sandwiches
• Fruit juice popsicles

Read Books About Food from Other Cultures

Storytime can be a great way to introduce preschoolers to new foods and cultures. Look for books that feature characters from different countries, or that include recipes or information about traditional dishes. Some suggested reads include "Everybody Says Shalom" (Israel), "This is Munich" (Germany), and "We All Went on Safari" (Tanzania).

Discuss Food-Related Traditions

Every culture has its own unique food traditions and customs. Share some of these with your preschoolers to give them a deeper understanding of the role of food in different societies. For example, you might talk about the importance of sharing food during festivals, or how certain dishes are prepared for special occasions.

By incorporating these activities into your preschool world travel unit, you'll be giving your little ones a well-rounded introduction to the diverse and delicious world of cuisine!

Read books about other countries

Reading books about other countries is a great way to expose children to new ideas and traditions and ignite their curiosity about the world. Here are some recommendations for books that can transport your preschoolers to different countries and cultures:

Living in . . . Italy by Dana Meachen Rau (Ages 4-8)

Part of the Ready-to-Read series, this book takes young readers on a journey to Italy, exploring its culture, food, and famous landmarks. It's a great introduction to Italy for preschoolers.

Hello, France! by Sophie and Stephie: The Travel Sisters (Ages 4-8)

This charming picture book follows two sisters, Sophie and Stephie, on their culinary travel adventure to France. It's a delightful way to introduce French culture and cuisine to preschoolers.

All About Japan by Lori Mortensen (Ages 4-8)

This book offers a fun and interactive way to learn about Japan, including its stories, songs, crafts, and games. It's an engaging way to expose preschoolers to Japanese culture and traditions.

The Ocean Calls: A Haenyeo Mermaid Tale by Tina Cho, illustrated by Jess X. Snow (Ages 4-8)

Set in Korea, this book tells the story of a young girl, Dayeon, who dreams of becoming a haenyeo (a traditional female free diver) like her grandmother. It's a beautiful tale of courage and cultural heritage.

My First Mandarin Words With Gordon & Li Li by Michele Wong McSween (Ages 0-3)

This book follows Li Li, a Mandarin speaker from Beijing, as she visits her cousin Gordon in New York City. They explore the city while learning about each other's languages and cultures. It's a great introduction to Mandarin and Chinese culture for toddlers and preschoolers.

We’ve Got the Whole World in Our Hands by Rafael Lopez (Ages 3-5)

Based on the classic song, this book uses vibrant illustrations and rhythmic verse to portray a message of friendship and cultural appreciation. It's a wonderful starting point for discussions about diversity and inclusion.

Drawn Together by Minh Lê (Ages 3-5)

This heartwarming story is about a boy and his grandfather who come from different worlds and speak different languages. They discover a unique way to connect and communicate through their shared love of drawing. It's a beautiful celebration of family bonds and cultural merging.

These books offer a glimpse into different countries and cultures, providing valuable lessons about diversity, inclusion, and cultural appreciation. They are a great way to spark curiosity and broaden your preschoolers' horizons.

Learn basic phrases in a new language

Learning basic phrases in a new language is a great way to wrap up a preschool world travel unit. Here are some tips to help preschoolers learn basic phrases in a new language:

Start with simple phrases:

Introduce common phrases that are easy to remember and relevant to everyday situations. For example, "Hello," "How are you?," "My name is...," "Good morning," or "Thank you." These phrases will come up frequently in their daily lives and provide a strong foundation for further language learning.

Use interactive methods:

Make learning fun by incorporating games, songs, and interactive activities. Play "Simon Says" or "I Spy" in the target language, sing popular children's songs, or engage in role-playing scenarios where they can practice greeting each other or introducing themselves.

Provide context and visuals:

Associate new phrases with relevant visuals or contexts to aid comprehension. For instance, when teaching phrases related to body parts, point to or touch the corresponding body part as you say the word in the new language. Visual aids, such as flashcards or picture books, can also be used to reinforce the connection between the phrase and its meaning.

Encourage active participation:

Create opportunities for preschoolers to actively use the new phrases. This can be done through conversations, role-playing activities, or even simple games where they practice greeting each other or introducing themselves. The more they use the phrases, the more confident they will become.

Repeat and reinforce:

Repetition is key to language learning. Repeat the phrases often and provide reinforcement through positive feedback. Create a supportive environment where mistakes are viewed as learning opportunities. Encourage them to keep trying and help them correct their pronunciation or usage when needed.

By following these tips and adapting them to the specific language being taught, preschoolers can effectively learn basic phrases and develop a foundation for future language acquisition.

Frequently asked questions