5. New Geography Workshop
The song New Geography is a fitting compliment to social studies/geography curriculum for grades 2-5. Here is an idea map that follows the verses in the song you can open up and workshop in your classrooms. The children can learn a fun and captivating song as a result of this provocative and engaging workshop. So… here we go, verse by verse:
Get to know the world, the people and the places
The 21st century has opened the door to the real possibility of world citizenship. We are meant to be “citizens of the world”. That is one of the great challenges and opportunities of our time. What are some of the keyways into world citizenship perception and understanding? It is the most natural thing in the world for children to feel a kinship with all children, no matter what their background. The influences of the digital age, globalization, world media, communication and transportation have made the world a much smaller place. What is the task of the educator and mentor in light of this fact?
The language of the rainbow spoken on the faces
Gender, ethnicity, skin color… are all principal features of being human. To understand this natural diversity, to respect and value the spectrum of human life and expression is a step toward world citizenship and stewardship. How do we foster these understandings in young people?
Get to know the world, get to know the human story
Every culture has its stories held in the collective memory of its people. At core there are many unifying threads between the stories of the vast array of cultures on the planet. These threads form a tapestry of humanity. It is like a photo-mosaic describing and upholding the dignity, integrity and inevitable deep spirituality of the human story. What are the natural keyways into conveying this to young people?
Help the land you live in to show its hidden glory
Finding the hidden nature and traits of the land you live in is a veritable treasure hunt. In some places the “treasure” is buried deep beneath the layers of human exploitation. Still, the magic is there to be discovered. Look again to the stories and ways of the first peoples who lived there. Look to the native flora and fauna. It all paints a picture which eventually may reveal something important, rare and true.
From Africa to Asia, Australia and Japan
The world it will amaze ya, if you try to understand
North and South America, from Greenland to Peru
Europe, Russia, Middle East, all inviting you to…
Get to know the world, Get to Know the Human Tribe
The word “tribe” speaks of warmth, kinship, family. It calls out a sense of humanity. The human tribe is made up of many, many tribes. It says we are all related, and perhaps we are! The sentiment in the words “one human tribe” says we look after each other like sister and brother. It says that what affects others affects oneself.
The word “tribe” connotes colorfulness, variety, diversity under a unified principle.
The genuine feeling of kinship with others, regardless of ethnicity and skin color, language or culture is a sign of true humanity in a person. Children hold this quality naturally. How do you do world geography in such a way that upholds and acknowledges the human tribe?
Hop on a Magic Carpet, let wonder be your guide
Wonder is the key!
North, South, East and West
Be a point of light upon the map
It is for each one of us, no matter what our background, to find our own way to bring more light into this world by illumination, understanding, perception, education, art… It Is for each one to discover their own way to be a pinpoint of light upon the map.
North, South, East and West
This is lesson one in geography
Get to know the world, the rhythms and dance
Music carries the frequency and the nature of the land it comes from. It is a natural keyway to understanding people who are “foreign” to you. Rhythms and dance are universal bridging languages.
The songs of many nations from Mexico to France
Songs carry the oral lineage of a tribe. Songs embed the language in music. Songs imbue the language with color and essence. Sometimes this is a pure portrayal of the special nature of a specific land or place.
Get to know the world the joy and the sorrow
How do you emphasize sameness within the great diversity? Every child has a mother. Every person dreams. Every human experiences joy, loss, hope, sorrow… It is that we are each and all human beings first… Gender, ethnicity, creed and nationality are secondary to this. The emphasis in ‘new geography’ is that we are all human first.
The wisdom of the elders, the heartbeat of tomorrow.
Ask the elders in your life what are the things they value most. What you will find are pure gems! These gems are meant to be passed on to the children, for they are the hope and the heartbeat of tomorrow.
From Africa to Asia, Australia and Japan
The world it will amaze ya, if you try to understand
North and South America, from Greenland to Peru
Europe, Russia, Middle East, all inviting you to…
Get to know the world, get to know the world in you
Where were you born? Where did you grow up? What is your genetic heritage? What world traces does it represent? Where do you live now? What expression can you give to it? What expression does it cause in you? This is the world in you.
Let your native colors come shining through
Globalization has its downside which is the wiping out of diversity, the homogenization of cultures and the extinction of indigenous language, root, culture and tribe.
Wherever you are from, whatever your roots, celebrate them! Let them shine through! This is our diverse and colorful human heritage for all humanity to behold!
North, South, East and West
Be a point of light upon the map
North, South, East and West
This is lesson one in geography
~PAZ
*****