As the structure of the school year ends and summer approaches, we’ve put together seven ways your family can grow in their knowledge of the world and its cultures in the coming months. Hopefully, together we can raise up a generation of people passionate about the preservation of our earth and the celebration of global cultures.
1.
One of ECHO’s main ministries is resourcing and training partners and farmers around the world, and this often includes providing trial-sized seed packets. ECHO seeds are tested for germination so that we know farmers have the best potential for a healthy crop. You can germinate your own seeds from foods that are already in your kitchen. Try tomatoes, beans, or pumpkins, and watch the young seedlings germinate.
2.
Here at ECHO, we’re plant and animal lovers. If your kids are as into growing things as we are then volunteering at a local community garden might be the perfect way to teach them some sustainable practices and get them to eat more fruits and veggies! Check online to find a community garden near you to get involved.
3.
3.37 billion people in the world are unreached — meaning those people have never heard the good news of Jesus Christ. Partner together with your kids to be dedicated to both praying for and learning about the unreached people in the world. If you’d like a helpful video, search Youtube for “What is a UPG?” and share this video from Global Frontier Missions explaining unreached people groups. Then check out the Joshua Project’s map to learn the names and areas of specific unreached people groups. Finally, read Frontier People Groups, a free online children's book and prayer guide published by Indigitous. Not only will this book educate your children on worldwide cultures, but it will give them prayer requests specific to individual people groups. We hope this spurs a desire in your children to see the Gospel spread to every nation!
4.
Every home has some food waste, and in the US, on average, 40% of the food that is produced is wasted. Why not put it to work while making your home more environmentally friendly? Composting is an easy way to teach your kids the importance and joy of stewarding the earth. ECHO has an online article that will teach your family how to get started on your very own worm compost bin! (Google: ECHO worm compost) You can also pick up Compost: A Family Guide to Making Soil From Scraps at ECHO’s Bookstore to learn even more.
5.
Looking to talk directly to someone from another culture? Global Penfriends provides your family with a safe and easy way to get connected with a pen pal. Through either snail mail or online messaging, you and your children can discover new friends that you haven’t met yet.
6.
Maybe you have an avid reader on your hands? If so, some culturally diverse books might interest them. In the ECHO Bookstore, we have a variety of children’s books that take place all over the world. Emmanuel’s Dream by Laurie Ann Thompson is a true story of a Ghanaian boy who is missing a leg. Despite opposition in his life, Emmanuel rises above trials and goes on to be an inspiring figure to many of us today. Mama Panya’s Pancakes by Mary and Rich Chamberlin gives kids insight into life in Kenya and teaches them to share what they have. To give your children a broader view of the world consider "If The World Were A Village" by David J. Smith. This book addresses topics such as food, religion, and age on a global scale.
7.
Help your kids learn about different cultures by expanding their palate. Discover with your children other cultures’ traditions by cooking an authentic meal together. Try Spanish paella, Indian tikka masala, or Korean barbecue. Whichever dish you choose, make sure to research and share the cultural significance of that dish. As you learn about another country’s meal traditions, take time with your family to discuss the foods that are important to you, and how they’ve brought you all closer together.
Have other ideas? Let us know! Email info@echonet.org to share your suggestions.
We recognize you have to be intentional about how you spend your time. Whichever way you choose to grow your child’s worldview; be it through books, gardening, food, or your own personal ideas, we are excited to come alongside you and cheer you on.
