We found so many resources with which to study the culture of India. A highlight for us was learning a Bollywood dance through the local library’s program. The children had already read “Just So Stories” which was our introductory point, but there is so much more to explore!
Post Released October 2021
Mapping it Out
- Free Printable of India’s Flag and Map by Crayola.com
- Free Coloring Page of the Taj Mahal by Crayola.com
- Free Coloring Page of Elephant with Indian Pattern by Supercoloring.com
- Free Printable Map of Asia by Seterra.com.
- Free Geography Games at Seterra.com. India is included in the following games: Asia: Countries, South Asia: Countries, Monsoon Asia: Countries. There is also a India: Cities game for an extra challenge!
Missions Spotlight
- Amy Carmichael
- “The Hidden Jewel” for age 8+
- “Amy Carmichael: Rescuer of Precious Gems” for age 10+
- Mother Teresa
- “Mother Teresa” for ages 7-10
- “DK Biography: Mother Teresa” for age 10+
- Prayercast.com/India: This page contains Quick Facts, a Summary, Prayer Points, and a short video prayer for India.
Booklists
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If you’ve scanned the booklist, it is really long! Here are our favorite books:
“In Andal’s House” gives the young reader a glimpse into a clash of worlds between modern society and the caste system in India. Children will feel so much empathy for the main character, Kumar, as he is rejected by an older generation although welcomed by the new one.
True Stories
These true stories of courage and bravery moved our hearts.
Math
Our library had two versions of this mathematical folktale. (My video shows both books in greater detail.) The story is wonderful for learning the concept of exponential growth.
Late Elementary
Middle
Food
I really enjoy Indian food but don’t often make it. I was delighted to find that my children all loved my Indian cooking as well as my Costco finds. Now I can heat up prepackaged lentils or prepackaged coconut dal and serve it over basmati rice for a quick meal!
The kids and I had the best time making samosas! Technically, they originated in the Middle East, but it is definitely part of Indian food culture now. They are perfect with mango chutney.
Games
We learned the fun game of Jaipur, which involves trading camels and selling goods for rupees at the Indian market in Jaipur, a large city in India. The specific goods represented on the cards are diamonds, gold, silver, cloth, spice, leather, and camels. The illustrator of the game states that he uses “Maharajanian colors, textures, and atmospheres!” The box says this game is for ages 10+, but my 6-year old loves to play it and the adding at the end is perfect for her math level.
Another fun game from Ancient India is Pachisi. It looks similar to the games Parcheesi and Ludo, which both originated from Pachisi.
Snakes and Ladders is also derived from an ancient Indian game.
Movies
The Bollywood industry is quite large, but did you know that there is a Pollywood, Lollywood, Chhollywood, and more? An Indian friend recommended the following suitable Bollywood movies for children: Chhalaang and Dil to Pagal Hai (perhaps for high schoolers). I haven’t watched them yet but will update when I do.
If sticking with American kids movies, the Jungle Book live action movie is quite suspenseful (rated PG)! If your children are younger, you may want to stick with the cartoon version.
Videos
These are on my YouTube channel, Around the World in Homeschool Days: India Playlist. Enjoy!