Culture Guides

CultureGuides are teaching units designed to assist teachers or facilitators in fostering open cultural exchange as well as promoting increased global understanding. There are two series consisting of four lesson plans targeted toward elementary or secondary grades:

Series One consists of four lesson topics—

• Traditions—The Traditions lesson plan helps students develop an appreciation and understanding of traditions that are an essential part of the country’s cultural fabric—addressing the historical, as well as modern, evolution of eac tradition.
• Folklore and Language—The Folklore and Language lesson plan explores written, oral, or artistic customs of a specific country or ethnic group. The examples may include an overview of the artistic tradition of storytelling in the country or focus on the historical development and unique aspects of the spoken and written language.
• Food—The Food lesson plan illustrates how food reflects cultural values. Specific examples of cultural foods illustrate the main theme and recipes are often included so that teachers can make the food with their class.
• Cross-cultural Contributions—The Cross-cultural Contributions lesson plan focuses on a unique and significant cultural contribution that has influenced other cultures.

Series Two consists of four lesson topics—

• Geography and Climate—The Geography and Climate lesson plan demonstrates the connection between land or weather and a specific cultural element, such as how a country’s landscape has contributed to the development of transportation in that country.
• History—The History lesson plan looks at a significant event, period, or individual in the history of the culture.
• Politics and Economics—The Politics and Economics lesson plan explores modern or historical political/economic situations, by discussing occurrences surrounding the situation as well as the cultural impact.
• Lifestyle—The Lifestyle lesson plan looks at daily life as a product of culture. It connects basic tasks and routines to the values of a specific culture.

See CultureGuide samples: Guatemala and Japan CultureGuides may be purchased through the International Outreach office or the Kennedy Center main office, or the Kennedy Center Online Store.