Christmas in Guatemala! Learn Guatemalan History, Culture, Christmas Traditions
We'll take a virtual trip to Guatemala to learn about Guatemalan history, geography, culture, and Christmas traditions.
Clark Vandeventer
Average rating:
4.8
Number of reviews:(653)
What's included
1 live meeting
55 mins in-class hoursAssessment
Parents looking for materials to submit as work samples are always happy with the materials I provide.Class Experience
US Grade 3 - 6
This month I am running a series of one-time classes where your kids can join me on a virtual trip -- and in this class we’re going on a virtual trip to Guatemala. We’re going to discover some of the history and customs and traditions Guatemalans and Mayans have around the Christmas holiday. For those of us who are used to it being cold at Christmas -- the whole idea of Jingle Bells and Hot Cocoa -- Guatemala is different! And it’s loud with lots of fireworks! In this class kids will learn about the history and geography and some historic ties Guatemala has with its neighbors -- and they’ll learn about Guatemalan culture and points of interest in the country -- but all of that is done as if we were really planning a trip to Guatemala over the Christmas holiday. Guatemala is an amazing country. I’ve traveled there several times and over the course of several trips have spent a total of about 3 months there -- but next year my family and I are moving to Guatemala! That’s right. That’s how much we love this country! This one-time class is a great introduction to my longer Social Studies class that goes over several weeks. I’m passionate about introducing kids to the world around them and sparking that interest. I’m a world traveler myself having traveled or lived in seventeen different countries so far. This class is similar to a class I’ve offered in my home for a group of local homeschoolers for more than two years. It’s hugely popular with these kids, and I know your kids will love it too!
Learning Goals
This is a one-time class similar in structure to my Journey Around the World Social Studies Class.
Students will develop a good understanding of global geography, historic trade routes, political ties and colonization. Why is Spanish predominantly spoken in Central America? Because it was colonized by Spain. Why is Portuguese spoken in Brazil? Same answer. French in Morocco? That's an interesting one...
This is a true social studies course in how it is interdisciplinary. We cover geography, history, culture, religion, political structures, natural wonders and wildlife, foods. What would you want to do if you went to Rio de Janeiro or Tokyo or the Gobi Desert? These will be the things we talk about as we go to those places.
Over time, the kids will be exposed to lots of different cultures, religions, political structures. They'll have a sense for where these places are in the world. They'll learn tips and clues for finding different places on a map. In this class, we will focus on Guatemala, specifically a holiday trip to Guatemala, Mayan culture within Guatemala, and some discussion of Guatemala's neighbors in Central America.
Other Details
Supply List
Students will be provided with a field guide with highlights from our virtual trip and parents with questions to ask their kids to continue the conversation. Parents looking for materials to submit as work assignments are always happy with the materials I provide.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined December, 2019
4.8
653reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
We live in a big and fascinating world and one of my goals with my classes is to help kids develop an interest and appreciation for the world around them and different cultures. My classes draw from my own experiences as a world traveler. I've visited and lived abroad in seventeen countries -- and I have spent a lot of time in Guatemala. Much of what we do in my classes is the same type of research I would do on a destination before I would travel to that country. I'm also the former deputy director of the historic home of President Ronald Reagan and in 2010 was a candidate for United States Congress.Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$10
per classMeets once
55 min
Completed by 16 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-12
8-16 learners per class
