Teachers/Presenters Warm-Up Activities - Elementary Students

Encouraging discussion about study aboard:

1. "Map Scraps"

   • Purpose: For students to challenge their map skills and knowledge.
   • Procedure:
     1. Provide each student with a copy of a "map scrap" and set of questions.
     2. Instruct students to examine the scrap, and answer the questions provided (they can use classroom atlas/other reference materials).
     3. Review answers with the class.
   • Materials:
     1. Copy of map scrap for each student.
     2. Questions for each student (adapted).
     3. Copy of answer sheet for presenters (adapted).
     4. Classroom atlas and/or othr reference materials.
   • "Map scraps" and questions/answers (adapt depending on age level) can be found at: Geography Club Activities

2. "Flags of the World"

   • Purpose: For students to gain an understanding of the use of colors and symbols that represent countries. They will also learn to identify symbols and colors that are common to certain cultures and geographic regions.
   • Procedure:
     1. Display the flag of the United States to students. Ask them what the colors represent and the significance of the design (stars and stripes).
     2. Hand out activity sheet to students (recommended for upper grade levels). Students can utilize the internet resources/world flag images for assistance.
     3. Review answers with the class.
     4. Have students create their own flag for their school or class.
   • Materials:
     1. Copies of world flag images.
     2. Copy of "U.S. Flag Facts" for presenters.
     3. Copies of activity sheet for each student (adapted).
     4. Copy of answer sheet for presenters (adapted).
     5. Paper for each student.
     6. Markers.
   • A list of internet resources for world flag images, and answers to the activity sheet can be found at: Geography Club Activities
   • The activity sheet can be found at: Wave the Flag!

Encouraging discussion about heritage:

1. "Amateur Anthropologist"

   • Purpose: Introduce students to the concept of heritage, and to gain an understanding of their family’s background.
   • Procedure:
     

     Discuss the following topics with students:

     1. Why did people settle in your community?
     2. What is a generation?
     3. How to do research. Give students a list of interview questions that they can ask their family members.
     4. Distribute worksheet titled, "Amateur Anthropologist" to be completed as homework (recommended for upper grades).
     5. Explain to students that when they complete their worksheet and/or get answers to their interview questions, they will discuss their findings with the class at a later date.

   • Materials:
     1. Copies of interview questions for each student.
     2. Copies of "Amateur Anthropologist" for each student.
     3. Copy of discussion questions for presenters.
   • Interview questions, "Amateur Anthropologist," and discussion questions can be found at: Amateur Anthropologist

2. "Proverbs and Traditions"

   • Purpose: Promoting racial and cultural awareness.
   • Procedure:
     1. Choose a broad topic such as love, birthdays, holidays, or time.
     2. Ask students to share sayings that are common in their culture or traditions that their families have that represent the chosen topic.
     3. Chart responses on the white/chalk board in the classroom to see how different cultures express similar ideas.
   • Materials:
     1. "Proverbs and Traditions – Example Sheet" for presenters.
     2. Classroom board.
     3. Dry eraser markers/chalk.
   • Activity can be found at: Precious Children

3. "The Story of My Name"

   • Purpose: For students to share where their name comes from and what it means. Helps to build intercultural respect and understanding.
   • Procedure:
     1. Ask students to write their names on a sheet of paper.
     2. On the same sheet of paper ask students to write answers to the following questions:
        1. How did you "get" your name?
        2. Who named you? Why?
        3. Do you like your name? Why or why not?
     3. Have students discuss their answers with the class.
   • Materials:
     1. Paper for each student.
   • Activity can be found at: The Story of My Name