Discover how our Global Citizenship program nurtures cultural awareness, empathy and inclusivity in toddlers through hands-on learning and family partnerships.
In today’s interconnected world, building cultural awareness and global citizenship in young learners is more important than ever. At the heart of our BeeCurious Curriculum is a Global Citizenship program that introduces toddlers and preschoolers to the rich diversity of people, cultures and environments that make up our world. Through intentional, hands-on experiences, we nurture empathy, respect and a strong sense of belonging in each child. This lays the foundation for inclusive values that guide them well beyond their early years.
Our approach begins with helping children appreciate their own unique qualities, which builds confidence and a secure sense of self. From this foundation, we guide them to respect the identities of others through thoughtfully designed classroom activities. These activities encourage positive communication, kindness and inclusivity, creating a warm, welcoming environment where every child feels seen and valued. Educators intentionally model respectful dialogue and curiosity, encouraging children to ask questions and share their own experiences.
Family engagement is an essential part of this journey. We invite families to share insights, stories, artifacts, photos and greetings that reflect their traditions. Families often contribute items such as musical instruments, traditional textiles or family recipes, which are incorporated into classroom activities. This collaboration ensures that cultural learning is personal, meaningful and rooted in real-life experiences that children can connect with. It also helps children see their families reflected in the learning environment, strengthening the home-school connection.
Our classrooms are vibrant spaces where cultural understanding grows through playful exploration. Educators provide children with rich, hands-on opportunities that integrate culture into daily learning. Some examples include:
At one of our centers, educators created an in-depth classroom experience inspired by Jaipur, India. After viewing photos of the city’s pink architecture and vibrant markets, children worked together to set up their own indoor street market. They explored colorful fabrics, jewelry and textured materials sourced with family contributions. Educators guided discussions about the significance of these items and the culture they represent. The children practiced new vocabulary related to markets and materials. This immersive activity encouraged empathy as children took on different roles, such as shopper or vendor, and practiced positive social interactions.
Cultural learning and global citizenship are woven into daily routines through intentional conversations and activities. Gathering circles are moments where children take pledges like BeeSafe, BeeKind, BeeRespectful and BeeBrave. These pledges serve as daily reminders to practice empathy, inclusivity, care for others and an appreciation for diversity. Educators guide small group activities that promote problem-solving, turn-taking, respectful dialogue and an understanding of global interconnectedness. Collaboration in art projects, building centers, and pretend play provides children with opportunities to experience diversity and global citizenship as positive, natural parts of their learning community. Through these daily practices, children not only build foundational values but also begin to see themselves as kind, respectful citizens of a diverse world.
Families play a vital role in global citizenship education. We encourage families to participate in classroom activities, share cultural traditions, provide artifacts, read stories and even demonstrate special skills or crafts. This collaboration helps children see the diversity within their own community and strengthens the sense of belonging for all. Many families have expressed gratitude for how these experiences encourage their children to ask thoughtful questions at home and share what they’ve learned about the world.
Children thrive when they feel connected and valued. Through our Global Citizenship program, we see children develop curiosity about other cultures, a respect for differences and a willingness to engage with new ideas. For example, after our classroom Jaipur market activity, children continued to incorporate elements of that play into their daily routines, setting up mini markets and using new words they had learned. One parent noted how their child began using phrases like “BeeKind” at home, reminding siblings and friends to show empathy and patience. These early lessons in cultural awareness and kindness help lay the groundwork for children to become thoughtful, inclusive members of their communities.
Our Global Citizenship program truly begins here, creating a rich, engaging foundation for lifelong understanding, empathy and connection.
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