December 2007/January 2008

Real People. Real Stories. For kids!

Kansas and the World

A Shrinking World?

Have you ever heard the term “our shrinking world?” What does that mean?

For Parents and Teachers:

This issue of Kaleidoscope introduces students to examples of how Kansas links to nations all over the world. Students will develop an understanding of the concept of interdependence through stories in this issue. A global perspective is important to help students become effective citizens in a changing world. This issue addresses state curricular standards for economics for sixth grade: Benchmark 3, Indicator 1: Student recognizes economic conditions under which trade takes place among nations. This issue of Kaleidoscope was produced with assistance from the Kansas Committee for International Education in the Schools (KCIES). KCIES promotes the inclusion of international topics into the K-12 curriculum, raises public awareness of the need for international education, and provides resources for teachers, students, parents, and communities. For more information, go to kansasintheworld.org.

Kansas fourth grade civics standard: Benchmark 3, Indicators 1 and 2, and Benchmark 4, Indicator 3 are addressed. (Student recognizes the U.S. Constitution as the document that defines rights and responsibilities of citizens, student recognizes how individuals have a civic responsibility, and student recognizes that rights require responsibilities of citizenship.)

Countdown to Statehood

Millions of dollars of merchandise traveled both ways on the international highway known as the Santa Fe Trail.

Kansas Exports to the World

International trade is not new to Kansas. Wagons loaded with goods traveled between the U.S. and Mexico along the Santa Fe Trail.

Many Kansas businesses have grown by expanding to an international market. One such company is Hallmark Cards, Inc.

Hallmark Around the Globe

Hallmark International had to learn about each country before it produced greeting cards. Language is not the only difference.

Sharing a Tradition

During World War II [1939-1945] an American soldier from Liberal, Kansas, met a soldier from Olney, England. They shared stories of their hometowns.

Sister States

Even though they are on opposite sides of the world, Kansas and the Chinese province of Henan share a special bond.

A Trip to Indonesia

Ten years ago, Judy Veatch of Lawrence got into an airplane and flew halfway around the world to Indonesia. This wasn’t going to be just any vacation.

Kansas Schools in the World

Rip is a fifth grader at Seal Elementary School in Douglass, Kansas. Last year when he was in fourth grade, his teacher, Mrs. Landwehr-Brown, started the KeyPal Program.

When native Kansan farm girl Ann Woodbury was 14, she went to Japan and it changed her life. Kaleidoscope spoke with Ann about her experiences.

In This Issue:

On the Cover

Teacher Supplement