Exploring South American Heritage Month: An Educational Journey for Homeschoolers

South Asian Heritage Month, celebrated from July 18th to August 17th, is a time to recognize and honor the rich cultural tapestry of South Asia, which includes countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives. This month-long celebration was officially launched in the United Kingdom in 2020, and it aims to highlight the contributions of South Asian communities to society, culture, and history.

This year’s South Asian Heritage Month theme is ‘Free to be Me’, celebrating the diverse experiences of being of South Asian heritage, sharing similarities and honoring differences, highlighting voices, acknowledging that not everyone feels free to be themselves, cultivating pride in one’s self, and educating ourselves.

“South Asian Heritage Month has been such an important project. We want people to understand what it means to be South Asian in the present day, as well as look at how South Asian-ness can be found in all facets of life in society. The month is for everyone, regardless of whether or not you are of South Asian heritage yourself.“
South Asian Heritage Month – Toolkit 2024

We’d love to hear your experiences and help celebrate diversity and cultivate a sense of unity within the VaHomeschoolers community. For homeschoolers looking to delve into this vibrant and multifaceted heritage, we have a few educational resources and activities to share.

Google Earth is a fantastic tool for a virtual tour of South Asia, allowing students to see these sites up close and personal without leaving your home. You can explore iconic landmarks like the Taj Mahal in India, the ancient city of Mohenjo-Daro in Pakistan, or the serene landscapes of Bhutan. Alongside these tours, you can incorporate some geography lessons to understand the diverse landscapes, from the towering Himalayas to the lush Sundarbans.

South Asia is also full of rich literary traditions. Introduce your homeschoolers to classic texts such as the Indian epic, the Mahabharata, or the poetry of Pakistan’s Allama Iqbal. For younger children, consider books like “Amal Unbound” by Aisha Saeed or “The Night Diary” by Veera Hiranandani, which provide captivating narratives set in South Asia. Pair these readings with creative writing exercises where students can pen their own stories inspired by South Asian folklore.

What more hands-on cultural activities? Try cooking a traditional South Asian dish together, like biryani or dal. You could also explore the art of Rangoli, intricate designs made with colored powders, which are common during festivals like Diwali. For a musical touch, introduce your homeschoolers to classical instruments like the sitar or tabla, and play some traditional South Asian music during study time.

You can find more video resources on their YouTube channel here.

South Asian Heritage Month is a wonderful opportunity to broaden your homeschool curriculum and celebrate the diverse and vibrant cultures of South Asia.

Opinions expressed by individual writers in this blog do not necessarily reflect the views of the Board of Directors of The Organization of Virginia Homeschoolers, nor do they represent an official position of VaHomeschoolers. Writers’ views are their own, and readers are encouraged to research and explore homeschooling issues to their own satisfaction.