Unless otherwise noted, I have previewed all YouTube clips to ensure that I would feel comfortable showing them to my own children before I recommend them to you and yours! But feel free to preview yourself to make sure clips are right for your family if you have any concerns. Enjoy!
Introduction to Latin America—>
What do I mean when I refer to Latin America–both here and in Chapter 11 of Give Your Child the World? Check out this list of countries for the answer.
But make sure that your older kids understand the official distinctions between North America, Central America (which is generally considered part of North America), and South America!
The Countries of the World–Americas (3 min; ages 3+)
South America: Destination World (3 min; ages 6+)
The History of South America: Every Year (4 min; ages 10+)
A little slow at the beginning, and the music gets kind of intense, but does a good job explaining why South American countries speak the languages that they do now:
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Detour: A Race Around the World—>
Look for more from Caroline Starr Rose in our tour of North America!
Picture Book: A Race Around the World by Caroline Starr Rose (17 min, ages 6+–interesting story for older ages as well, and fine for younger if they are interested)
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Destination: Colombia—>
How to Make Colombian Hot Chocolate with Cheese (2 min; ages 3+)
Picture Book: Waiting for the Biblioburro (9 min, ages 5-8):
Learn about real-life librarian, Luis Soriano, who inspired the book above! (5 min; ages 8-teens):
Geography Now! Colombia (13 min; fun & interesting for teens; mentions drug cartels/difficult history, but also the beauty of the country)
Links to Learn More about Colombia:
- Free audiobook to enjoy this week: Tio Conejo (Uncle Rabbit) and Other Latin American Trickster Tales, for ages 7+
- Read about the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus national holiday with your kids
- Download a 4 page printable with flag coloring page, map, and short quiz/answer sheet about Colombia
- Visit Bolivar Square in Bogota, Colombia on Google Maps and take a walk through the plaza
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Destination: Costa Rica—>
Picture Book: The Umbrella by Jan Brett (6 min, ages 3+):
Hanging Out with Costa Rica’s Orphaned Sloths (4 min sweet fun for all ages, but heads up that the host makes a one-second joke that includes the word “drunk” at 0:34; Might I suggest a well-timed cough, moms?!)
A Day in the Life of a Costa Rican School Pupil (3 min; all ages)
Landscapes and Music of Costa Rica (23 min; fun to leave on in the background, but be warned that it will make you want to book a trip there!)
Links to Learn More about Central America:
- Enjoy highlights of this live cam fruit feeder in Panama (Costa Rica’s neighbor to the south)
- Welcome to Slothville
- What’s it like growing up in Central America? Read this post aloud to find out!
- If you have access to the free library app, Hoopla, this chapter book about missionary Cameron Townsend, who worked in Guatemala, is available free to listen to via audio (ages 10+).