Around the World Mini-Unit Studies
Unit studies are a fun way to add supplemental learning to your homeschool curriculum. These mini-unit studies covering 12 different countries are a great way to expose your kids to the beauty and culture of countries around the world.
Using video, engaging books, games, and maps, kids of all ages can get a taste of the uniqueness of different cultures, along with understanding our fundamental similarities as humans.
Most Visited Countries in the World
In researching countries to include in our country of the month studies, I came across a website listing the most visited countries of the world. In 2019, the top 10 were France, Spain, USA, China, Italy, Turkey, Mexico, Thailand, Germany, and the UK.
In addition to these ten, I chose two bonus countries to include—Malaysia and Russia. This gives a nice variety of countries to explore.
Country of the Month
I’m a big fan of choosing topics or themes and assigning something to each month of the school year. In our homeschool, I assign a country of the month for my kids to explore. We learn about the country through videos, online articles, books, language, and the highlight—food!
Check out my Great States Research Project for a guide to creating a fun U.S State research project
Countries of the World Mini-Unit Studies Printables
I’ve created a countries of the world printable pack for you to use in your own homeschool. Choose a country to learn about each month, pick a few for mini-unit studies, or have your students choose a country for independent study and create an individualized project.
These downloads are best suited for kids who are independent readers, but I’ve used these with my kids from 3rd through 8th grade and all have enjoyed discovering new countries through the provided resources.
Included are links to books, games, and additional resources you may wish to use for research or further study.
You’ll also find a list of project suggestions your students may consider to dig deeper into a project based learning environment as part of learning about a specific country.
Project Learning Ideas for a Specific Country
- write a short story set in the country
- interview someone from the country
- create a “day in the life” video from the viewpoint of a student in the country
- make a video advertising for tourists to visit
- make a travel brochure
- create a slideshow presentation (history, daily life, famous site, etc.)
- cook traditional foods from the country
- make a video, presentation, or written report about a famous person from the country (scientist, writer, artist, composer, entrepreneur)
- write a play set in a particular historical period in the country
- create a digital timeline including images, text, and even video (Padlet and Tiki-Toki are two options)
- create a board game that explores the country
- write a song that describes the country or teaches something about it
Additional Resources to Explore Countries of the World
Here are some books, games, and other resources that may be helpful as you explore the countries of the world in your homeschool. Check your local library for copies of these books. Some libraries even offer games and other interactive items available to check out!
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Games to Explore Countries of the World
Books to Explore Countries of the World
Other Resources to Explore Countries of the World
Country of the Month Printable Worksheets
Each country includes the following three worksheet pages that can be printed and completed using the provided links or independent research.
Printable worksheet with questions:
- Find the country on a map.
- What continent is it on?
- What is the population?
- What is the capital city?
- What is the country famous for?
- Translate a few simple words or phrases.
Printable worksheet to brainstorm questions for more research or project ideas
This worksheet provides a place to jot down questions your child has about the country and a place to brainstorm project ideas.
Printable worksheet to draw and color the flag and sketch a famous landmark
This page provides a place for your child to get artistic. A sample of the flag is provided for your child to draw and color. They can then sketch a famous landmark from the country using the provided black and white illustration.
Links to information
The PDF file includes links on each country page. You can see in the image below an example of the images and text linked. The links are to the following items:
- world atlas
- video tour of some famous sights
- video of fun or interesting facts about the country
- aerial video tour of the capital city
- video teaching simple common phrases
- kids travel guide to the country
- recipes to cook a meal from the country
Multiple Options for Use
The complete pack includes a PDF file with all 12 countries, suggestions for use, project ideas, lists of links to resources, and the three worksheets for each country. In addition, there are individual PDF files for the main worksheet of each country that contains all the links and fillable fields if your student enjoys working online.
Finally, the file includes a link to Google slides ready to upload to Google classroom where your students can access all the links as well. (Bonus: YouTube video links uploaded in Google classroom open without all the suggested videos and ads!)
Country of the World: France Free Sample File
You can try using this with your students with my free sample file containing the PDF worksheets for the country of France. Click below for the free download.
If you love it, check out my complete Countries of the World download available in my Etsy shop or on Teachers Pay Teachers. You’ll love the no-prep, engaging way to travel the world with your kids.
Visit my homeschool resources page for monthly unit study ideas, projects, and homeschool planning help!
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Countries of the World Mini-Unit Studies
