Classroom Ideas
Exploring Cuba
Greetings Around the World
Explore different ways to greet people across various cultures (bowing in Japan, saying hola in Cuba, etc.).
International Cuisine
Explore signature foods from various cultures such as French baguettes, Spanish rice from Barcelona, Cuban rice, beans, and plantains.
Transportation Around the World
Compare/contrast various modes of transportation in different countries (Japanese subways vs. classic cars in Cuba)
Independence Day Around the World
Compare/contrast celebrations such as Bastille Day (France) and National Revolution Day (Cuba). Explore the similarities and differences between Independence Day traditions in America and other celebrations around the world.
Exploring Vocabulary
Identify key vocabulary terms while previewing each video. Prompt students to find the meaning of each word as they watch the video. Example: What does the word bohio mean? Think about the meaning of this word as you watch this video about Cuba.
Country Report
Have students identify the following for Cuba: landforms, population, how it is similar to the United States, history (how it came to be), type of government, economy, architecture, famous sites, interesting facts, languages spoken, etc.
Homes Around the World
Compare/contrast houses and other structures from various countries (bohios in Cuba, etc.)
Homes Around the World
Compare/contrast houses and other structures from various countries (bohios in Cuba, etc.)
What is Communism?
Explore the effects of communism in Cuba. Prompt students to make cause/effect connections and write about how communism changed life and culture in Cuba.
Landforms and Bodies of Water
Identify the various landforms in Cuba.
Alternatively, identify and compare landforms and bodies of water around the world such as mountains and waterfalls in Cuba, or volcanos in the Galapagos Islands.
Mapping
Have students print out a map of Cuba and identify where the sites in the video are located.
Art
Draw a scene from the Cuban video you just watched.
Cuban Festivals
See if there are American festivals that celebrate the culture of Cuba.
Cuban Recipe(s)
Create a recipe for a dish seen in the video from Cuba (use fractions, measurements, + directions).