Learning about South Africa

The girls and I had fun learning about South Africa during February.  We didn't do as many activities as I planned, but we still had fun and learned a lot.

We started off our studies by coloring the South African flag...

and pictures of African children (both coloring sheets are from Activity Village). We found Africa on our large wall map and put the appropriate animals on the continent. We read lots of books about Africa. and we watched videos of children in Africa on Discovery Streaming.

Making Melkkos...South Africa

The girls and I made melkkos when we were studying South Africa. Melkkos is made from milk, flour, and cinnamon. It's easy to make and the girls thought it was yummy. Here is the recipe. The girls loved mashing the butter into the flour. We simmered it with a cinnamon stick. And it's done!

South African Flag Puzzle

Our cultural exchange country for the month of February was South Africa. Our South African studies were disrupted by Elliott's diagnosis, but we've still managed to do some fun South African projects. O(5) loved completing this South African flag puzzle. I printed the flag from Activity Village and laminated it before cutting it. Simple, cheap, fun, and educational!

Cultural Exchange...South Africa!!!

The girls received their cultural exchange package from South Africa at the beginning of the month, and we've had a great time learning about South Africa so far!  Here's what was in the package...

handmade finger puppets of the Big 5 animals of South Africa...love them!




A couple of postcards




Photocopied (1 side only) and laminated money.  This is one of our favorite things...the money is really beautiful!




Coins




A tiny wooden elephant and bowl...LOVE this!




a Christmas ornament




 a magnet




mini South African flags.  The girls were excited to have more flags for their mini American girls.




Wire animals...E(2)'s favorite!




Activity sheets




We've really enjoyed this wonderful cultural exchange package.  I don't have a picture of the letter since I don't want to put pics of children other than my own on the blog, but the letter was fantastic.  O(5) said that the letter is the best part of the package!  Thanks to our South African friends!!!

Also, I'd love to hear from everyone who participated in the cultural exchange.  Please leave a comment or email me to let me know if you received your packages and how you liked them.  I'd love it if you would leave a link to any blog posts about the exchange especially if  you have pics of the things you sent and received in your packages.  I've had lots of emails asking what kinds of things were included in the packages, so this could help a lot of people.  I'll be organizing another exchange soon, so if you are interested in participating stay tuned....