Exploring the World, One Country at a Time

Inside Our “Countries Around the World” Class at Compass Rose

One of our favorite parts of operating Compass Rose is offering group classes that bring all of our students together across age groups. It’s a fun and engaging way for them to integrate, build friendships, and learn side-by-side in a hands-on, dynamic setting. Our Countries Around the World class is a perfect example—and has quickly become a highlight of the week!

Using the beautifully illustrated DK Countries of the World book as our guide, each week a different parent leads the class on a global adventure to explore a new country. At the beginning of the semester, parents had the opportunity to select a country of their choice—one that they found fun, fascinating, or personally meaningful. This keeps each week exciting and allows families to take ownership of the learning in a creative, collaborative way.

The parents rotate turns leading the class, and each one brings their own flair to the presentation. Students learn about the country's geography, capital, language, flag, landmarks, traditions, food, and more—all brought to life through engaging storytelling and hands-on activities.

To enrich the experience, a vibrant trifold display is prepared each week, packed with visuals, maps, and cultural facts that captivate learners of all ages. These eye-catching displays help anchor our lessons in something tangible, giving our students a clear picture of each country we visit.

And what's a global journey without a passport? Each student receives a pretend passport at the beginning of the year and eagerly collects a weekly “passport stamp” from each country we explore. It’s a fun and memorable way to track their travels and build excitement for where we’re headed next!

To top it off, many of our parents bring in samples of traditional foods from the featured country. Whether it’s salsa and chips to celebrate Mexico, sweet Canadian maple treats, or juicy mango to bring in the tropics of the Bahamas, these tasty treats give our students a literal flavor of the culture they’re studying—making this course truly interactive and memorable.

We also believe that meaningful learning goes beyond just facts and crafts. By studying cultures different from their own, students are given the tools to become more empathetic, inclusive, and culturally aware individuals. They begin to understand that while people may live differently around the world—speak different languages, eat different foods, or celebrate different holidays—our shared humanity binds us all.

So far, we’ve swayed to the rhythm of Junkanoo in The Bahamas, crafted fun maracas while learning about Mexico’s Día de los Muertos, marveled at the ancient wonders of Egypt, and explored the natural beauty and multicultural heritage of Canada.

Each stop on our journey helps paint a fuller picture of the world and the many people who call it home.

We’re so grateful for the heart, effort, and creativity our parent volunteers pour into this class. Their willingness to step up and lead each week makes this global adventure possible—and unforgettable.

And the journey’s just beginning! There’s a whole world waiting to be discovered.