PRINT COPY: Living Lights Curriculum: Quarter 3: Countries of the World

In this third quarter of Living Lights Curriculum, students embark on an immersive exploration of seven unique countries: Canada, India, Peru, South Africa, Madagascar, Sweden, and South Korea. Geography and Social Studies are the heart of this quarter, inviting students to see the world through multiple lenses—cultural, linguistic, and spiritual. Each country comes to life through interactive activities, personal stories, and in-depth studies of its land, people, animals, and traditions, offering a holistic approach to learning that’s deeply engaging yet gentle with children ages 4-7.

At the core of each country study is a personal connection to the modern-day Christian missionaries and their families who are actively working within these nations. Students learn about these missionaries’ lives, challenges, and contributions, fostering an understanding of Christian service and compassion. These stories provide a window into the daily lives of people working within diverse cultural contexts, inspiring students to think globally and to develop a heart for helping others.

Living Lights provides an array of hands-on activities tailored to each country, including authentic recipes, traditional handicrafts, and fun poems. Recipes allow students to taste flavors from around the world, from the spices of India to the comforting dishes of Canada. Handicrafts inspire creativity and connection to cultural arts, such as origami from South Korea, macrame bracelets, or helping children learn how to arrange flowers.

Incorporated throughout the curriculum are biblical catechisms and Bible verses selected from both the King James Version (KJV) and the English Standard Version (ESV). These verses are chosen to complement the themes of each lesson, encouraging reflection and discussion on faith and compassion.

Additionally, this quarter’s language focus introduces students to Swedish words and phrases, broadening their linguistic awareness and reinforcing the joy of learning about diverse languages. This third-quarter journey within the Living Lights Curriculum goes beyond just academics; it promotes character-building.

By learning about countries from multiple angles—geography, history, crafts, language, recipes, and the lives of those who are dedicated to serving within these countries—students develop a well-rounded and compassionate worldview, preparing them to be thoughtful, culturally-aware, and spiritually grounded individuals.