World Day for Cultural Diversity Worksheet for 12-Year-Olds

Instructions

Read through the information and complete each activity to learn more about the importance of celebrating cultural diversity around the world. Good luck!

Every year on May 21st, the world celebrates the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development. This is a special day to appreciate the richness of the world's cultures and the importance of understanding and respecting our differences. From the food we eat and the music we listen to, to the holidays we celebrate and the languages we speak, diversity makes our world a more interesting and vibrant place to live!

Activity 1: Vocabulary Match-Up

Draw a line to match the word on the left with its correct definition on the right.

Activity 2: Global Facts - Unscramble the Words!

Unscramble the capitalized word in each sentence to reveal a fascinating cultural fact.

1. The art of paper folding, known as GIORIAM, originated in Japan.
   Answer: ____________________


2. The RAASIM people of Kenya are known for their traditional jumping dances.
   Answer: ____________________


3. In India, the festival of lights, known as WIDALI, celebrates the victory of light over darkness.
   Answer: ____________________


4. The Haka is a traditional ceremonial dance from the IORMA culture of New Zealand.
   Answer: ____________________

Activity 3: Cultural Explorer

Answer the following questions based on your own thoughts and experiences.

1. What is a unique tradition or celebration in your family or community? Describe it briefly.



________________________________________________________________________

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2. Learning a new language is a great way to understand a new culture. Can you write "Hello" in three different languages (other than English)?



1. ____________________ 2. ____________________ 3. ____________________



3. Why is it important to challenge stereotypes and get to know people as individuals?



________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________



4. Describe a food from a culture different from your own that you have tried or would like to try. What makes it interesting to you?



________________________________________________________________________

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Activity 4: Creative Corner

Imagine you are designing a logo for World Day for Cultural Diversity. In the space below, describe or sketch a symbol that represents the idea of "Unity in Diversity." Think about images that show different people or ideas coming together peacefully.

Answer Key

Activity 1: Vocabulary Match-Up

1. Culture → C. The customs, arts, and social achievements of a particular nation, people, or group.
2. Diversity → F. The state of being different or including many different types of people or things.
3. Tradition → E. A belief or behavior passed down within a group that has special significance.
4. Heritage → B. Valued objects, traditions, and qualities passed down from previous generations.
5. Stereotype → A. A widely held but fixed and oversimplified idea of a particular type of person or thing.
6. Dialogue → D. A conversation between people aimed at promoting understanding.

Activity 2: Global Facts - Unscramble the Words!

1. ORIGAMI
2. MAASAI
3. DIWALI
4. MAORI

Activity 3: Cultural Explorer

Answers will vary based on the student's personal experiences and knowledge. Here are some examples:

1. (Example: "My family celebrates the Lunar New Year by eating dumplings and getting red envelopes for good luck.")
2. (Examples: Spanish: Hola, French: Bonjour, German: Guten Tag, Japanese: Konnichiwa, Mandarin: Nǐ hǎo, Swahili: Jambo)
3. (Example: "Stereotypes are often wrong and unfair. Getting to know people shows respect and helps you understand that everyone is unique.")
4. (Answers will vary.)

Activity 4: Creative Corner

Answers will be a drawing or description and will vary. Look for concepts like hands of different colors holding, a tree with different types of leaves, a patchwork quilt, or a globe with diverse faces.