Read and Rise Global Explorers 2021 - China

Here we go! We're off on our first adventure! This week we're zooming off to Asia, to explore the third largest country in the world - China! 

Before we get into it, here's a short explanation of how the summer series will work. To explore each country, I'll share things to read, watch, listen to, taste, and make. I will also make printable passport stamps, activities and postcards for as many countries as I can.

Note: for each destination, look up how long the flight would be from your home as well as the time difference. China is 12 hours ahead of us here in New Jersey, so it might be fun to swap breakfast and dinner to pretend we're on the other side of the globe! It's also interesting to note that although China IS the third largest country in the world and about as wide as the continental United States, it only has one time zone! The whole country follows Beijing time which means that the west part of the country will be waking up, having lunch, and going to bed at wacky times! (if you have older children, this is a great launching off point for a research project - investigating why there is only one time zone and learning about the Uighur population in Western China). Anyway, I've digressed. Feel free to let your child pack a backpack or small suitcase with a change of climate-appropriate clothes and a few things to entertain them and a snack for the "plane ride." We love listening to Laurie Berkner's "Airplane Song" while we pretend to fly!

Alright, now let's get into it!

I love both of Eugenia Chu's vacation novels so I'm featuring "Brandon Goes to Beijing" and "Brandon Goes to Hong Kong." You can find an audiobook version of "Brandon Goes to Beijing" here. Eugenia is in the process of recording an audiobook version of "Brandon Goes to Hong Kong" and I'll update when it's available. All of Eugenia's books are available for free if you have Kindle Unlimited.

I also have to include her book, "Brandon Makes Jiǎo Zi," an adorable, funny, and messy tale about making jiǎo zi (Chinese dumplings) with Pó Po (grandma). 

China-Hong Kong Activity Booklet - This little booklet include some basic information about China, a recipe, a craft, and a couple activities involving pandas and dragons! Also included are China Hong Kong flag stamps to print out and glue into your Global Explorers passports!

Hong Kong Postcard - Here's a printable postcard from author Eugenia Chu featuring a photo she took during their trip to Hong Kong!

Disneynature's Born in China - we love this documentary following a family of pandas, snow leopards, and golden monkeys.

Wild Kratts Panda Power Up - learn about the giant panda's cool creature power!

Cute Baby Panda Picnic with the Kratt Brothers - get up close and personal with a couple giant pandas

Little Einsteins Dragon Kite, Season 1, Episode 9 - this series is available to watch on Disney+

Justin Time The Rubbery Dumplings, Season 1, Episode 7 - this series is available on Netflix

Guzheng performance - recorded by Brandon in Beijing!

Guzheng: Spring River Flower Moon Night - listen to and watch a guzheng being played

Try out some dishes from an authentic Chinese restaurant near you - get takeout or try some dim sum!

Pó Po's Jiăo Zi recipe - this is Pó Po's recipe that she makes with Brandon

Hong Kong Mini Unit Study - there are a bunch of activities here that go along with the book "Brandon Goes to Hong Kong"

Phew! I think that's it for now, this should keep everyone busy for a while!