Living in Culture

Culture 4 Kids’ fall programs are in full swing! Currently, we are offering a program on the Mexican holiday, Dia de Los Muertos. It has been so much fun going to different libraries and seeing the creativity of the kids. Below are some of my favorite sugar skull crafts the children made!

I wanted to share some details on how a program comes to be at Culture 4 Kids, because the behind-the-scenes is almost as fun as bringing the programs to different communities.

Brainstorming a Program

The initial research phase of a program has to be one of my favorite parts. I love diving into the history and meaning behind each celebration. There’s something special about discovering holidays I’d never heard of before, learning why people celebrate, what traditions they pass down, and how those traditions connect families and communities. Even if I don’t end up choosing a particular holiday for a program, I always come away with a deeper understanding of the world. I try to balance year-round themes with time-specific programs that highlight special moments on the calendar, like Lunar New Year, Carnival, or Día de los Muertos.

Research, Planning, Execution

Once I decide on a holiday or cultural group to focus on, the planning begins! I start by creating a presentation that explains the holiday in a way that’s engaging for kids. Researching each topic is always so interesting, and I always learn so much. After that, I find a children’s book that connects with the event’s themes. Through Culture 4 Kids, I’ve discovered so many incredible authors who bring cultural stories to life. (I even have a separate blog post dedicated to some of my favorite finds!) Finally, I brainstorm a craft that helps kids connect with the culture hands-on. For example, for Día de los Muertos, decorating sugar skulls is a colorful, creative way to explore ideas of remembrance and celebration.

On the Road!

Once the presentation and craft are ready, it’s time to hit the road. I reach out to local libraries, confirm dates, and share the details with the community. Walking into each library and seeing the kids is always the best part. No matter how many times I do it, I never stop feeling grateful that Culture 4 Kids can help children explore the world, one culture at a time.

As always, for more information on Culture 4 Kids, please visit culture-4-kids.org.