Last week, the YMCA kids came back to the library. Since we had such success with the crime scene program, we decided to go with an impromptu style program for their culture theme.
Unfortunately, this time we had no planning time. So, what did we do?
1. We introduced the kids to language. We taught them how to say "Hello" in 20 languages! Countries were on cards, and one of us said the greeting. The kids who matched the country to the greeting got a frisbee.
2. We explained how the same word can mean something different in a different country. On a handout, we listed American English words and British English words; the kids had to match them.
3. Moving on to other countries, I gave out clues to 10 different countries that were progressively more specific, working from what continent or climate it was to something very specific to that country.
4. Finally, we had the kids put the world together by using cutouts. I know that you might be thinking that the older kids were bored, but they were actually really into it!
When all was said and done, we had successfully hosted another impromptu program that entertained the kids. The best part is that they learned without even realizing it. A parent talked to me afterwards and said that they asked what their daughter learned. "Nothing" was her response, but sure enough she was excited later on when she could tell her parents how Cambodians say "Hi!"
All of this was planned in roughly 24 hours, and I definitely could not have done it without the people at Red Bridge. Cheers to sneaky learning!
Unfortunately, this time we had no planning time. So, what did we do?
1. We introduced the kids to language. We taught them how to say "Hello" in 20 languages! Countries were on cards, and one of us said the greeting. The kids who matched the country to the greeting got a frisbee.
2. We explained how the same word can mean something different in a different country. On a handout, we listed American English words and British English words; the kids had to match them.
3. Moving on to other countries, I gave out clues to 10 different countries that were progressively more specific, working from what continent or climate it was to something very specific to that country.
4. Finally, we had the kids put the world together by using cutouts. I know that you might be thinking that the older kids were bored, but they were actually really into it!
When all was said and done, we had successfully hosted another impromptu program that entertained the kids. The best part is that they learned without even realizing it. A parent talked to me afterwards and said that they asked what their daughter learned. "Nothing" was her response, but sure enough she was excited later on when she could tell her parents how Cambodians say "Hi!"
All of this was planned in roughly 24 hours, and I definitely could not have done it without the people at Red Bridge. Cheers to sneaky learning!
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