January 2017, 2 months before Spain trip
We’re sure there is fancier stuff on Pinterest but here is a little project we did in preparation for traveling to Spain with our 4 and 2 year old.
What
Not-quite flashcards. “Not quite” because a) this isn’t for a test, and b) there are pictures but no written “terms,” at least for our kids.
Notice 2 decks for 2 kids. In this case sharing is not caring. Let each kid make their own or be sure to make one for each of them. Same images are ok with our young kids but it’s up to you. Whatever you think their interests are.
After the trip, be sure to add pictures of them seeing/doing the things they learned about before the trip to reinforce the connection!
When
A month or two before departure. Long enough for kids time to enjoy the story of each picture but not so long the parents lose their mind telling the same story everyday.
Why
To help kids (4, 2) identify with an upcoming destination. In this case a trip to Spain.
Kids, like adults, are more interested in things that are relevant to them. At 4 and 2 our kids like to hear stories about people from long ago and from “far away places.” A picture of row boats in Madrid’s Retiro Park (below, left) not only gives them something to look forward to but gives them something to identify with when they get there.
We’ve found it helps in museums as well. If they have pictures to look forward to, whether it be a 80s rock wanna be like Albrecht Dürer (above center), or a fun day at the beach with Joaquin Sorolla’s family (above, right), they will feel more confident and therefore interested since they already known a little about the works.
Not only a good foundation for future art appreciation and understanding but with a few known-entities it makes visiting the spectacular Prado museum not only possible but a joy for everyone.
Two biggest payoffs for us were:
- “Princess Margarita!!!” –our 2 year old when in view of Velazquez’s magnificent Las Meninas (Day 2 at Prado Museum, Madrid)
- “This is what you were talking about!!!” — 4 year old son dumbfounded to see the Patio de la Acequia in the Generalife section of Granada’s beautiful and serene Alhambra (Day 9)
How
Not rocket science here. Just an idea Dan had looking for stock images to show the kids about the upcoming trip. These directions are for parents but be sure to include the kids in as many tasks as you can, even if it’s just taping the images to the card stock.
Supplies: glossy photo paper, colored 8” x 11” card stock paper; hole punch, book rings; paper trimmer or scissors, double sided tape
- Search Google images for high resolution, rights free, pictures of places on your itinerary
- Print the top 10-15 images on glossy photo paper (recommend 4×6 to fit 4 per card stock page)
- Cut card stock paper in half (like a hot dog) and in half again (like a hamburger)
- Ask the kid(s) to tape the back of the photo to the center of the card stock “cards”
- Punch hole in top left of each card
- Stack deck of cards in chronological order (or by theme) and slide in book ring
If you find an easier or more interesting way to do it please share in the comments!
Other considerations
- we used our not-quite flashcards as last story before bed
- don’t worry if they like some cards more than others. The point is to give them a foundation to understand what to expect on this big trip and something to look forward to.
- after you get home from your trip you can add some pages with pictures of them in the places they learned about
Big Kids
Planning exercise: For big kids (6-9+), you might use this exercise to incorporate them into your original trip planning. For example, let them search “Paris travel” and make a cards for each activity they’d like to do. Give them some parameters such as “art,” “history,” “food,” “nature,” etc. and let them do some research! For added fun, have them pitch their ideas to the rest of the family. “I think we should go to __________, because…”
Helping others: they can also help their younger siblings make cards
Digital: Trello boards, PowerPoint slides, and even customized Google maps are great alternatives for kids 10+. They can include not only images, but links to other information and even directions.
talk soon,
Dan & Betsy
Family Conversation topic: Ask kids what they already know about your planned destination. Anything we know from school? Books we’ve read? What’s the weather like? What language do they speak? (Do we know how to say any of the words?) Famous people, place, events?