How to raise globally aware children

We have always been keen on raising children to have a genuine interest and desire to know more about the world around them. I imagine many families have a similar interest. This started very early on in Bea's life. In the beginning it was reading books about different kinds of places- places with extreme seasons, cold places, deserts etc.

As she got older we progressed to trying to introduce her to language- both through books and music. In Auckland Bea and I went to a weekly Spanish music class which we both loved as an alternative to the usual library run music sessions. We still sing the Spanish songs we learnt there. I would really recommend it.

Now in Laos, we have enrolled Bea into a French speaking preschool (although i may note this has been for more than one reason).

There have been a few key resources that we have used to aid us in our desire to raise a global child. And they are accessible wherever you are living.

Today i wanted to talk about the simple blow up globe

We actually have 2 of these. One has the countries on it, the other is just the geography. At the moment, here in Laos we have the geography one. The possibilities with these things are endless. It is a great travel toy. We use it all the time. Sometimes we use it to burn off some steam and kick or throw it around. Sometimes we roll around on top of it. But other times it is more educational. I was impressed when Bea wanted to show we where the penguins live the other day and could spin the globe around and around until she found the land mass of Antarctica. She can also accurately identify Australia and NZ (Laos is proving to be a little bit more difficult).

At the moment we have been using it a lot as we track our various friends and family members. My parents are somewhere in Russia, Joff's mother and sister in Kenya. The globe has been great for explaining where everyone is.

I can also see it being put to use in the future when we want to show other kids and adults where we come from.

If you don't have a blow up globe i really recommend getting one, they are such a fun, educational toy!

Melinda xx