When studying various countries around the world, one unique thing that can be shared between them all is food. Check out these Free Resources for Learning About Foods Around the World.
One thing that brings people together, no matter what country they live in, is food. I have lived in a few countries and traveled to a few more.
In observing each culture, there are few things that happen on a daily basis that can bring folks together with as many laughs and joy than food.
This is my experience with the connections of food in the places I have been to.
Food in Spain:
Image by herminiato from Pixabay
Living in Spain, many events revolved around food. There is a rich and communal eating experience around their famous dish called paella. It is full of seafood and sausage and mostly comes in this huge wok-like thing that everyone can serve themselves from.
However, the most significant thing I remember about Spanish food is with our babysitter’s family.
At lunchtime every day (siesta they call it), the whole family – mom, dad, two daughters of school age, and two brothers already in the workforce – would come home to eat together.
Their school and workday were broken up with a time for them to get together eat, have laughs, and enjoy each other’s company. That was a beautiful tradition for me.
In a world where kids want to rush out of the home, these families loved being together. And yes, they invited me along as if I was a part of their family as well. I will never forget it.
Food in Tonga:
I haven’t seen another culture that focuses more on food. It could be why it’s hard for me to lose weight here.
Every function revolves around the gathering of people to break bread together. Funerals, weddings, reunions, and birthdays have so much food that people can take plenty of home.
I think it’s a sign of appreciation to guests.
Every Sunday is a day where families get together to eat after church. Men wake up early on Sundays to start the “umu,” which is the underground oven to cook root crops, meats, and something called “lu.”
Lu is a typical food here wrapped in foil. It consists of a meat and onions with real coconut milk wrapped in lu leaves. It is delicious!
Images credit to Chris Paquette, One Love Non-Profit in Tonga https://www.facebook.com/OneLoveTonga
My husband, the kids, and I always make a drive to his parents to eat with them on Sundays. I have learned to love being around a family who loves each other. It is such a good memory for my kids.
My own family food tradition:
Home Sweet Home Cuisine, https://www.facebook.com/Homesweethomecuisines
I am Puerto Rican and some of the best memories I have, revolve around Puerto Rico’s tradition of celebrating the holidays with family and friends.
Whether it be birthdays, baby showers, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve or New Year’s Day our days were full of laughter, singing, music and instruments, LOTS of dancing, and yes – food!
Puerto Rico’s staples are Arroz con Gandules (rice and beans), pernil (pork shoulder), pasteles, empanadas, and — I am starting to get hungry as I am writing this so I need to move on.
The world is such a beautifully diverse and colorful place where food seems to do the same effect on each of its people groups – bring them together.
My cousin and her husband opened their own mobile restaurant (food truck) with Puerto Rican food. It is AMAZING and brings a little taste of Puerto Rico to Florida.
If you are ever in the Kissimmee, Florida (by Disney) area please go check them out. You will NOT regret it.
It is called Home Sweet Home Cuisines (Hit “LIKE” on the FB page to support if you could, please) and they can travel to your location for functions, events, or you can stop by their location that day. I am so proud of her, by the way!
Home Sweet Home Cuisine, https://www.facebook.com/Homesweethomecuisines
Exploring foods around the world:
Traveling around the world may not be possible for all of us, yet we sure can learn to enjoy these places as much as we can thank the internet.
Adding traditional foods from all around the world into your country study lessons will bring experiences and bonding that your children can take with them always.
Check out these Free Resources for Learning About Foods Around the World with your kids:
FREE Christmas Foods Around the World
FREE Foods Around the World Notebooking Journal
FREE Cooking Terminology Copywork Resources
Foods from Around the World Resources | Primary Teacher Chest
FREE Worksheets Food Around the World | ESL Printables
Amazing World Of Food: Lesson 6: Food Around the World: FREE Lesson Plan | One Stop English
FREE Download Staple Foods from Around the World | tes.com
Around the World in 12 Dishes: Intro | Creative Family Fun
Food around the World FREE Internet Search Activity Sheet | Emily Montgomery
FREE Food Picture Match | Homeschooled Babies
Food Around the World – FREE Editable Glossary | Poppy Resources
Nutrient-Dense Food Around the World Notes FREE Activity – APES | Dare to Inquire Science most items free
Food Around the World FREE Printable | Kids Academy
Facts for Kids About Food Around the World | Kids World Travel Guide
40+ Best Desserts of The World To Make At Home | Four Around the World
Kid Friendly Recipes From Around The World | Kids are a Trip
101+ Kid-Friendly Recipes from Around The World | Bon Voyage with Kids
Tastes Around the World Party Homeschool Ideas | Sprinkle Some Fun
Breakfast Around The World | World Travel Chef
Kids Lunches Around the World 4 Ways | Tastemade
International Kid Chef – Culinary Montessori Activity with Dough | Montessori Nature
FREE eBook Cookies Around The World | Mama Lisa
National Dish | Wikipedia
Traditional Food | Wikipedia
This is a great book about what the world eats:
Here are some resources for an around the world unit in your homeschool:
FREE Around the World Preschool Lesson Plan | More Excellent Me
Around The World in 30 Days | Paper and Glue
World Geography Living Literature | Our Journey Westward
FREE Children Around the World Writing Pack (70+ Pages!) | Embark on the Journey
Unit Studies About Children Around the World
FREE Homes Around the World Guided Drawing
When teaching your kids about different countries I urge you to explore at least one famous recipe for each country to expose them to foods around the world. Whether it be Korean beef or Hungarian walnut cookies, your children will benefit from learning about foods that bring joy to people all around the world.
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Jeannette is a wife, mother and homeschooling mom. She has been mightily, saved by grace and is grateful for God’s sovereignty throughout her life’s journey. She has a Bachelor in English Education and her MBA. Jeannette is bi-lingual and currently lives in the Tongan Islands of the South Pacific. She posts daily freebies for homeschoolers!
