International Night: Activities for the Home

What You Need

International cookbooks, available from most public libraries

Ingredients for the selected cuisine

International music, costumes, decorations, etc. (optional)

What to Do

Assign different family members to be in charge of specific preparations for the evening, such as the dinner, decorations, costumes, music, etc.

Take a trip to the library for resources that will help make the experience authentic. Look for international cookbooks, books about customs, language, and clothing, as well as books that include international music. These books and audio products will get you started ...

A Child's Celebration of the World (All Ages)
World Music for Little Ears (Infant - 7 yrs.)
Around the World Art and Activities (2 - 7 yrs.)
World Playground - A Musical Adventure for Kids (4 - 12 yrs.)
Children Just Like Me: A Unique Celebration of Children Around the World (8 - 12 yrs.)
Kids Around the World Celebrate (8 - 12 yrs.) World Book's Celebrations and Rituals Around the World (10 & Up)

And, don't miss Pack Your Passport!, award-winning products to help your kids explore and discover the world around them.

Decide as a family which culture you'd like to explore. Then plan your evening. For the menu include at least one item that appeals to each family member.

Head for a supermarket to get all the ingredients you will need to make the dinner. If available, visit a specialty shop from the country of choice for a specific spice or an unusual ingredient.

Work together to prepare the dinner. Each family member should help, if possible, in at least one area of cooking and cleanup!

Decorate your house, get your costumes on, play some music, and enjoy your wonderful dinner together.

What Else You Can Do

Be on the lookout for ethnic and multicultural fairs and festivals throughout the year.

Ask relatives for family recipes based on your own heritage.

This activity was reprinted with permission from Houghton Mifflin ©1998