Lesson plans that allow young children to temporarily transport from one country to another are a great means of exposure. Here, the teacher can select a country and allow students to create a passport for that country. A prop, such as a hat or other item, can aid in recreating the student's passport. For example, in January, students can pretend to be from France and create passports for themselves reflecting this nationality. In their passport picture they may wear a beret or other item thought to be uniquely French. During the experience, students can learn about the types of food they might enjoy and pastimes they might pursue, were they natives of France. After spending a school year with exposure to a variety of countries, students can receive a Traveler's Certificate in recognition of their globe hopping.
Lesson plans that focus on and celebrate the diversity found within students' classroom and community are a great bridge between new experiences and old, helping them to see the exposure they've already had to other cultures while simultaneously fostering a greater interest in diversity. One activity makes use of a world map, where students can find and pinpoint where they are from and where others in their families once or currently live, as well. Placed in the back of the classroom, the map becomes a living and changing document, as students make an effort to cover many places on it, by making contact with pen pals in differing countries, visiting places in books and otherwise learning about locations.
Have the classroom devise a series of questions that they might ask someone about a culture they were otherwise unfamiliar with. Afterwards, invite teachers, parents and individuals from the community to come in and speak to the classroom about their experiences in another country. Encourage them to bring items for the students to see , touch or otherwise experience, such as pictures, currency, fashion and music. For those in need of speakers, former Peace Corps volunteers are often willing and happy to help.
Have students read, explore and reflect about other cultures through the aid of books. Conduct conversations meant to draw distinctions between their own experiences and those found in other cultures. Leading questions such as, "What would your life be like if you had to draw water from a well, too?" or otherwise draw on the experiences captured in the readings. PBS offers a list of Global Awareness Books, specifically geared for elementary school students.