Resources for Learning About Ukraine
Published:
April 5, 2021
Contributor:
Jeannette Tuionetoa
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Ukraine is the second-largest country in Europe. Learn more important facts about the country with these resources for learning about Ukraine.
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Although it has been debated, Ukraine is known as the geographical center of Europe or the “heart” of Europe. The small town of Rakhiv in western Ukraine lays claim to being the heart of Europe.
This country is the continent’s largest country measuring 603,628 square kilometers (Rusia is the largest country in Europe, but it covers parts of both Europe and Asia). Ukraine stretches from Russia on its east to Poland on the westward side. The Black Sea stretches to Ukraine’s south, and Belarus lies to the north.
Brief History of Ukraine
The country of Ukraine has great historical significance.
It is known as the birthplace of the region’s Orthodox Christianity, and it was pivotal in the Soviet’s defeat over the German army in World War II (WWII).
While under Russian rule, Ukraine went through much turmoil. The struggles included suppression of speaking the Ukrainian language, the imposing of a famine in order to maintain control, and the slaughtering of 1 million Ukrainian Jews during WWII.
Even more disaster struck Ukraine in 1986 when the Chernobyl nuclear power plant exploded and Russia tried to hide the explosion, which prevented international assistance for help.
Ukraine has had about 30 years of independence since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991.
The infamous Easter egg
My kids found it interesting that the popular Easter egg tradition that is known around the world originated in Ukraine (craft ideas are below).
If you have ever painted Easter eggs with your kids for the holiday season, then know it came from Ukraine. The eggs were originally patterned using wax and dye.
After the eggs were waxed and dyed, the wax was removed, leaving an impressive pattern with amazing colors.
Some cool Ukrainian facts
We actually learned some cool facts about Ukraine. For instance, I say “Ukraine” without the “the” because it actually isn’t proper to put a “the” in front of Ukraine, although many of us do it.
Prior to its independence, it was called The Ukraine. However, in 1993 the Ukrainian government requested to called just Ukraine. It may actually be considered offensive to keep “The” as it signifies to some Ukrainians that their sovereignty isn’t being acknowledged.
Ukraine also holds 7 World Heritage Sites, is home to the Arsenalna, the world’s deepest train station below ground (346.13 feet (105.5 meters) deep), and so much more.
Explore these resources for learning about Ukraine with your students:
FREE Ukraine Montessori 2-part Cards | I Believe in Montessori
Ukraine Fact File Worksheet | Classroom Kitty
Simple Story About Ukraine FREE Worksheet | ESL Printables
Ukraine Country Study ~ Integrated Social Studies & Language Arts Complete Unit! | Two Tiny Tables
European Countries Research Unit- Ukraine | Malimo Mode
Ukraine Country Study | Beyond Imagination
Printable Ukraine Worksheet | Middle School History and Geography
Ukraine Country Booklet – Ukraine Country Study – Interactive and Differentiated | Yvonne Crawford
Ukraine Country Profile | BBC.com
Brief History of Ukraine | Ducksters
Ukraine Facts for Kids | Kids.Kiddle
All About Ukraine Facts for Kids | Science Kids
Information on Ukraine | Oddizzi
25 Things You Didn’t Know About Ukraine, The Heart of Europe | The Telegraph
Activities to help kids learn about Ukraine:
Learn Numbers in Ukrainian – Числа | Ukrainian Lessons
14 Basic Ukrainian Phrases for Your Trip to Ukraine (+ a Cheat Sheet For Your Device!) | Ukraine Lessons
Ukraine-Quiz FREE Worksheet | ESL Printables
Ukraine printables to add to your lessons:
Ukraine Flag and Information – Ukraine FREE Page | Crayola.com
Printable FREE Outline Map of Ukraine | Printable World Map
Take a Ukraine virtual tour:
U is for Ukraine: Ukraine for Kids Virtual Tour | Local Passport Family
Explore Ukraine! | Ukrainer in English
Arts and crafts themed about Ukraine:
Level Ii-Art Lesson 9: The Ukrainian Rooster (Learn To Draw A Rooster) | Art Achieve (includes cross-curricular suggestions)
Drawing Pysanky – Ukrainian Easter Eggs | KinderART
Decorating Ukrainian Easter Eggs with Kids | The Educatorsʻ Spin On It
Ukrainian Dancing Woman FREE Coloring Page | SuperColoring
FREE Ukrainian Woman Coloring Page | SuperColoring
Take a look at some books on Ukraine that can be checked out at the local library:
9 Epic Books (+1 Movie) About Ukraine to Help You Understand This Country | Road is Calling
Children’s Books Set in Ukraine | Kids Travel Books
With such rich history, fun facts, and importance to Europe, your kids are sure to find learning about Ukraine interesting and engaging.
Check out some resources to help you with geography units or country studies at home:
Big List of Free History & Geography Learning Sites & Apps
FREE History & Geography STEM Projects
Recommended Resource: Geography Activity Pack
Students will explore every independent country in the world plus discover the most significant mountains, deserts, rivers, and lakes with this huge Geography Activity Pack.
