Back-to-School, Tooth Traditions, Indigenous Peoples, Elephants, Obon, Humanitarians, Raksha Bandhan, Grandparents, Mindfulness, Hispanic Heritage, Peace Train, Dumplings, Professional Resources

I can't believe I am just weeks away from a lifelong dream: going on an African Safari! We are headed to Tanzania (and Zanzibar!), and I can't wait to tell you all about it when we return. In the meantime, I have combined the Go Global issues for August and September into one Back-to-School issue. It's a good one to save and return to as you kick off a new year.

I’ve been busy putting the finishing touches on a new geography unit designed to help students build the foundation for a year of global learning. This resource will introduce key geography skills, map tools, the Five Themes of Geography, global connections, and respectful ways to learn about places and cultures around the world. I’ll be sharing all the details in a separate resource email shortly!

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Founder & CEO, Globe Trottin' Kids​

​TOOTH TRADITIONS AROUND THE WORLD​ What happens to lost teeth around the world? Some children leave a tooth for a fairy or a tiny mouse, while others place it in a slipper or toss it onto a roof! Explore fascinating tooth traditions with young students through picture books, world geography, comparison activities, mapping, writing, and more. Perfect for connecting a familiar childhood milestone to meaningful global learning! Tooth Fairy Day is August 22! Read more Book Companion for Throw Your Tooth on the Roof by Selby Beeler (Updated)

BACK-TO-SCHOOL

Get your classroom ready for a year of global learning! Our Back-to-School Resources for a Global Classroom page is packed with ideas, activities, and teacher-friendly resources to help you introduce geography, celebrate cultures, and inspire global citizenship from the very first week of school.

Whether you're looking for engaging classroom activities, printable resources, country studies, or simple ways to weave global learning into your daily routine, you'll find everything you need to start the year with curiosity and connection. Explore the collection and build a classroom where every student can discover the world - one lesson at a time!

AUGUST

August 4-5 Teachers Pay Teachers Sale: Save up to 25% off with promo code BTS26. Shop now.​

August 9 International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples

Teaching Tips:

• Teach about specific Indigenous Nations rather than using only broad terms like "Native Americans" or "Indigenous peoples."
• Use present-tense language whenever possible to emphasize that Indigenous communities are thriving today.
• Include both traditional knowledge and modern life, showing students that cultures continue to grow and evolve.
• Whenever possible, choose books, videos, and lesson materials created by Indigenous authors, illustrators, educators, and organizations.
• Help students recognize that there is no single Indigenous culture - languages, traditions, histories, and experiences vary greatly from one community to another.

Explore resources for teaching about Indigenous peoples across North America.​

Learn about and compare Indigenous Peoples Around the World -Woo! Jr. *Free printables

​Browse picture books about Indigenous Peoples.​

August 12 World Elephant Day

Disney’s Animal Kingdom and the International Elephant Foundation collaborated on this educational curriculum that centers on teaching the next generation about elephant conservation: Saving Elephants Educator's Guide Grades 2-6.

The lessons are divided into Grades 2-3 and 4-6. The focus for younger grades promotes enthusiasm about the world of elephants. In grades 4-6, threats to elephants and conservation problem-solving, including technology, introduce students to issues involving people and wildlife.

August 13-16: Obon

Obon, one of the most important festivals in Japan, is based on Buddhist beliefs that spirits briefly return to their family home at this time of year. It’s not a time to mourn, but to think about our ancestors and loved ones and celebrate their visit.

Learn about the customs and activities associated with Obon and summer festivals in Japan with these helpful resources from The Japan Society. Includes a lesson plan, presentation, activity pack, and videos.

Make a note: Compare Obon to Día de los Muertos in November.

August 19 World Humanitarian Day

Introduce students to five inspiring humanitarians who come from different countries and backgrounds, but all share the goal of making the world a better place.

August 22 Tooth Fairy Day

Tooth Fairy Day is a playful observance inspired by the tradition of leaving a lost tooth under a pillow for the Tooth Fairy. It’s a fun opportunity for children to explore tooth traditions from around the world.

​Check out our UPDATED book companion!

August 28 Raksha Bandhan

Introduce your students to Raksha Bandhan, a Hindu festival that celebrates the special bond of love, care, and protection between siblings. This kid-friendly post explores the traditions and meaning behind the festival with books and activities. It's a wonderful addition to your classroom as students discover how families around the world celebrate important traditions.

SEPTEMBER

September 8 Grandparents Day

Explore the diverse ways grandparents are celebrated and cherished across different cultures with these multicultural stories and activities.

September 12 Mindfulness Day - Try 5 free classroom activities!​

September 15 - October 15 Hispanic Heritage Month

Celebrate the rich traditions, languages, arts, and achievements of Hispanic and Latino communities and their important role in shaping American history and culture. Browse our page of teaching resources!​

September 21 International Day of Peace

September 26 Dumpling Day

Celebrate one of the world's most beloved comfort foods! Nearly every culture has its own version of a dumpling - from Chinese jiaozi and Japanese gyoza to Polish pierogi, Italian ravioli, Indian momos, and Latin American empanadas. It's a fun opportunity for students to explore world cultures through food while discovering how different communities have created their own unique dumpling traditions using local ingredients and recipes passed down through generations.

Lit Connection: Dumpling Day - a mouth-watering introduction to 10 types of dumplings from around the world. Our post includes a discussion guide, activities, and three free printable recipes!

Resource Spotlight: Class2Class

If you're looking for new ways to connect your students with classrooms around the world, you may want to explore Class2Class. This free platform helps teachers find partner classrooms for collaborative projects and cultural exchanges, giving students opportunities to learn with peers from other countries.

Starting in August: Picture Books Around the World: Exploring Our Common Hearts; Flags Around the World; Weft and Warp Stories: Knitting Traditions Around the World

Starting in September: Explore Cultural Traditions and Seasonal Celebrations; Global Show, Culture Glow

Professional Development: GLOW (Global Learning for an Open World) Conference

"GLOW 2026 is a two-day virtual gathering (November 18-19) for educators, students, school leaders, nonprofit partners, and innovators who believe global learning should lead to practical action. Through keynotes, featured sessions, general sessions, resource spotlights, networking opportunities, and on-demand access, participants will explore ideas that strengthen global competence, intercultural understanding, sustainability, civic engagement, student voice, educational innovation, and compassionate leadership."

​Learn more and register HERE!​

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