Social Studies K: Cultures

We will learn about what culture means and how cultures can be very different around the world.

A story book about how we are different and how we are the same is read out loud in this video.

In this video, a teacher reads a book about cultures out loud to us.

Several Elementary Division students reflected on the meaning of differences both at Milton Hershey School and across the world.

Introduce younger viewers to the many different cultural communities and their traditions with this selection of animated short films.

You will see some children sharing some of their cultural traditions with us. What cultural tradition would you share on Hiho?

Kids try their holiday traditions with their best friends!

One part of our culture is the kinds of foods we eat. This video, children try some of their grandparents ate when they were kids

This short video explains the term culture and tradition for kids aged K-5

Kids talk a nice old lady about what it was like to live a long time ago and what it's like to be an old person

In this video we’re talking about what makes history important and how we can make use of it

Janaye learns about Totem Poles with Master Carver Keith!

The flag of Nunavut has one on it and if you visit northern Canada, you’ll probably run into quite a few of them. It's an inukshuk (say i-NOOK-shook) and you might be surprised at the many uses Inuit people have for them.

Students can learn about Indigenous dances, food and culture in these short and sweet segments.

These picture books tell stories about Indigenous history, heritage and culture.

Learn about Indigenous heritage with these videos from CBC Kids, and CBC Kids News. Plus watch full episodes of Molly of Denali and Teepee Time.

A 2.5 minute animated video from CBC Kids News that explains what the word Indigenous means and how we use it.

This short film depicts the majesty of the hoop dance, an Indigenous tradition symbolizing the unity of all nations.

Caleb Musgrave demonstrates how to gather maple sugar the traditional Anishinaabe way.

In this episode of My Canada, we learn about Inukshuit (plural for Inukshuk).

A lesson plan for K-4 students that uses Bannock as the medium for exploring Métis ideas of identity and community

A lesson plan for early elementary students from the Rupertsland Institute that explores Métis ideas of identity and community

Four days before having to leave her family and home for residential school, Shi-Shi-Etko learns how important it is to hold on to her memories.

Join MJ The Kid as he spends an unforgettable day in a Maasai village in Kenya! The Maasai people are some of the most genuine, kind-hearted, and spirited individuals we’ve ever met

Join Courtney in singing this easy greeting song and learning greetings in Swahili! Swahili is the language they speak in Kenya

A short travel guide to Kenya for kids from Professor Propeller.

Students will learn about the delicious foods that people eat in Kenya

Join Courtney in learning about the Maasai people of Kenya and their famous jumping dance, known as the adamu!

Join Courtney in making this easy DIY collar necklace, inspired by the beaded necklaces of the Maasai women of Kenya. All you need is a paper plate and markers!

Ukrainian Dancer Catherine stops by the studio to show Janaye some sweet dance moves!

Join Ms. Gisa in this Holiday Read Aloud based on a Ukrainian story, A Christmas Spider's Miracle. The story is written by Trinka Hakes Noble and illustrated by Stephen Costanza. This is a heartwarming tale about about two mothers, a humble peasant woman and a mother spider, who have more in common than would first appear.

Let's learn about Ukrainian culture by learning an easy Ukrainian dance.

This story is a classic fairy tale from Ukraine. It teaches children about teamwork.

Into English is a blog all about developing English skills and knowledge. This article has the story and reading comprehension exercises.

This Reading Rainbow episode features Rechenka’s Eggs by Patricia Polacco, a story about a woman who rescues an injured goose.

Learn the surprising reason that Ukrainians decorate their Christmas trees with spider webs.

Different cultures sing different songs for special occasions. Let's learn the song that Ukrainians sing to celebrate a birthday!

At 8 minutes, this video is too long for most children but teachers can show short parts of it to their class to see the beauty of Ukrainian dancing.

Learn about the 12 sacred dishes for Ukrainian Christmas dinner. This article includes links to the recipes and explanations of the significance of the food.

Join Courtney in learning how to count to 8 in Mandarin using rhythm and song!

A traditional children's Chinese song that celebrates the New Year. (English subtitles)

Join Courtney for the last week of Mandarin in March with this simple goodbye song!

Join Courtney in kicking off Mandarin March with this classic kids' song!

Today, we're learning how to draw a Chinese lantern! We hope you follow along with us, art is always better with friends.

A puppet show that explains the origin of the Chinese Zodiac

Let's dig into how rice became a staple in the world’s diet, and the surprising consequences of its traditional production practices. Related Lesson

Join Courtney in learning a Mandarin nursery rhyme set to the tune of Frère Jacques!

A fun video for kids that explains what a lunar new year is and how it is celebrated.

Chopsticks are a traditional utensil in Chinese culture and are used in many East and Southeast Asian countries

Join Courtney in learning the children's classic Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, as we explore more Mandarin in March!

Use this deck of Alphabet AniMoves to help explore fun and creative movements while learning the names of animals in Blackfoot, Cree, and Stoney Nakoda. There are cues for movement on the back of each card.

In this k-2 lesson, students will learn the history of the Chinese Lion Dance and create lion head puppets to perform in a parade. Students will learn about the traditional dance, the costumes that are worn, and the music that accompanies the dance performance.

As this video from the Atlantic says, the worst conversation to have with kids about race is no conversation at all.

The Learning Circle is a resource elementary-level learning exercises about First Nations knowledge and culture. You will find lesson plans focused on Indigenous storytelling, the use of colours, and seasons.

In this lesson, the students will learn about the major differences between eastern and western dragons and discover why the eastern dragons are associated with the Chinese New Year.

Listed below are an abundance of easy place-based lessons that you can do daily, weekly, or seasonally

Tips and resources to help you have a meaningful conversation with young children about race, racism, and being anti-racist.

This handbook is a helpful guide and sensitive document written to enable educators to meet the challenge of addressing Islam in the classroom.