Trip to Belgium

History

• The child learned about the significance of Belgium in World War I and World War II, including the Battle of Belgium and the occupation by Nazi Germany.
• They gained an understanding of Belgium's colonial history and its impact on present-day cultural diversity in the country.
• The child learned about the rich architectural and artistic heritage of Belgium, including the medieval cities of Bruges and Ghent.

After the trip to Belgium, encourage the child to research and create a presentation on a specific aspect of Belgian history that piqued their interest. They could explore the impact of Belgian colonialism on African countries or delve deeper into the role of Belgian resistance during World War II. Additionally, they could create a fictional diary or narrative from the perspective of a Belgian citizen during a historic period they learned about during the trip.

Book Recommendations

• "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom: A memoir of a Dutch woman's experiences during the Nazi occupation, offering insights into the broader context of Belgium's own occupation during World War II.
• "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank: A powerful firsthand account of life in hiding during the Holocaust, providing context for understanding the impact of Nazi occupation in Belgium.
• "King Leopold's Ghost" by Adam Hochschild: This non-fiction book provides a detailed account of Belgium's colonial rule in the Congo, shedding light on the historical context of Belgium's colonial history.