I am originally from upstate New York. Back when I was a child, our town didn’t have much diversity at all. I actually find that very sad. I wish I grew up in a more diverse area.
Where my family and I live now, there is a lot of diversity. I think that is fabulous. The diversity helps to promote appreciation and understanding of different cultures. We even have a bi-lingual program where English speaking children and Spanish speaking children go through elementary school together from kindergarten on up. The classes teach in both languages, not only teaching kids to be bilingual, but also to have a better understanding and appreciations for others. As an added bonus, the kids can tutor each other on how to speak properly in either language.
I wish that was available when my kids went to school. I would have put them in that program.
I am a site director for an after school program. I love that we have such great diversity in our program as well. I always try to look for toys and games that unite all people, and not just those Caucasian. In the past I have purchased Black and Latino Barbie-like dolls and figurines. When I print out coloring pages I always try to print out different people (Black, Asian, Latino…). I want to make sure all my “work kids” are represented in the things we have at our site.
I wish we were able to invite parents in. I would love to have parents come in and speak about their cultures and maybe even bring in a snack from their culture. That would be so cool, but sadly, that is not allowed.
I recently learned about the brand Kids for Culture. Kids For Culture’s website offers a wide assortment of edutainment products beyond books, like flashcards and games. Their products encourage critical thinking, attention to detail, concentration and more.
Through understanding various cultures and social groups, children are able to make connections from their own lives to the lives of their peers. Teaching diversity increases cultural competence, which in turn allows children to be empathetic to the experiences of others.
Kids for Culture products help promote diversity, language, emotions, self-love, positive affirmations and so much more. They make learning about other cultures, as well as themselves, fun and engaging.
Take for example the brand’s Kids of the World Memory Matching Game. We’ve all seen matching games before. I think many popular children’s shows have their own matching games. Matching games are very popular to play.
This matching game is not only fun, but it also teaches diversity.
Meet the smiling faces of 15 kids from countries worldwide in this fun and challenging memory game designed to help improve children’s brain functions. Kids of the World Memory Match Game encourages critical thinking to help children sharpen their attention to detail, concentrate, remain focused, and improve their visual memory.
The brand was kind enough to send me one of these game to check out for myself.
Even though it’s geared for children as young are three, I believe my “work kids” will have a lot of fun with this game. My work kids are 5-12, but they love matching games. I only wish I received this to review prior to the end of school. Now I have to wait until September for them to enjoy it.
I like that this cards are round (normally they are square). That puts a new twist on this classic game. The cards are also a large size (it’s hard to tell from my photo). They are 3″ in diameter, and ideal size for little hands.
On the back of each card is an illustration of Earth. That is a great representation of how we are all people of Earth, no matter where you live or what your skin color is.
This game also come with a “passport.” The booklet tells children about each character in the game and where they are from. This is also a fun way to learn about geography.
I like that this game stores nicely in it’s original box. The box even has a handle so that little ones can easily carry it around.
Another engaging product from Kids for Cultures’ Kids of the World Jumbo Puzzle.
This puzzle has 48 pieces and they are also a large size. I appreciate that A LOT because sweeping up little puzzle pieces off the floor is not my idea of fun.
Piece together these scenic views from 10 diverse friends from all around the world. Explore the beauty of different cultures while building problem-solving skills, hand-eye coordination, spatial reasoning, confidence, and independence.
I purchased a few puzzles prior to the end of the school year. I found them in the local dollar store, so they weren’t the best quality. I mainly purchased them to gage their interest in puzzles. To my surprise, many of the children were putting them together. Some were even playing together (cooperatively). Had I knew that they would do that, I would have purchased puzzles a lot sooner.
I can’t wait to bring this in to them on the start of the new school year.
This puzzle features children from around the world doing various things. The background is a great representation of where they live in the world. I like that the children are dressed in outfits that represent their cultures too.
I didn’t get around to putting this puzzle together (yet) only because I am not a fan of doing puzzles (early frustrated by them), plus my cats were not exactly cooperating with me either. Every time I tried to put pieces together, they had other ideas (ha ha).
These are just a few of the products available from the Kids for Culture website. You should see their baby dolls (so cute!).
If you are interested in learning more about these games, or other products from Kids for Culture, visit the brand online at KidsforCulture.com. You can also find the brand on Facebook, Tik Tok and Instagram. Those links are found on the bottom of their website.
Kimberly
*I received free product samples in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.