We have our neighborhoods and communities that kids are aware of.
We have schools that they know very well.
The towns they grow up in are a part of them.
Sometimes even the cities neighboring can be important in their lives as well.
And of course, our own state has an impact on them.
But what about moving beyond our states? Or even our nation? What is the importance of giving kids a global perspective?
Teaching students about global affairs in an authentic way can teach them acceptance and understanding of cultures and others. It can allow them to feel more empathy as they learn more about the various types of living styles. It can open their eyes to see that their lifestyle isn’t how someone else lives.
They might even have the chance to say, “Hey! This kid is just like me.”
Having a mindset that our world goes beyond the walls of our schools or the lines of our states gives us millions of minds to collaborate with and help with finding solutions. We can start asking the important questions like, “Why is Singapore’s math curriculum working so well and how can we use it too?”
There is a better chance they will end up in global careers by learning about them now.
Students won’t just know about the Great Wall of China, they will understand the history and importance of it, as well as the impacts it has on China’s residents today.
So start introducing other cultures in your classroom. Give your students the opportunity to interact and collaborate with other students across the globe, through email, skype, or social media. Break down the four walls of your school and the limits of your cities to show our future leaders what a global perspective looks like.
Featured Image: Pexels.com
