Every child should grow up to respect their country. However, for a country as vast and diverse as India, it can be difficult for kids to understand what it truly means to be a citizen of the Republic of India. Thus, the path to understanding and respecting the idea of a nation must begin with knowledge. 

As parents or as teachers, we often tell children stories that span the length of this country. But, imagine a child sitting in Bangalore or Mumbai and hearing a story that is set in Rajasthan or Bengal. It is difficult for them to really fathom that these stories take place in a land that they too can call their own. For them to understand the diverse nature of their existence, learning about the country from a young age becomes imperative. 

But, this is easier said than done. So, to help all you parents and teachers, we have devised a simple and easy learning curve that will help kids grasp the idea of this great nation. 

 

Start By Teaching Them The States 

Before going into historical details and current facts about India, it’s really important that they understand where they belong. Prepare for them a list of the states and union territories of India, and once they have memorized the names you can start introducing them to facts about the various states. 

For children, learning names is quite easy. So, you can prepare or buy flashcards that showcase the primary languages and crops of each state followed by an interesting fact about the state. This will also help them understand how the various states are different in nature but also how they share similar ideas about food and linguistics. 

For teachers, if you have a diverse classroom, you ask the students to write a sentence in their state’s official language or bring a food item from home to share with the class. The more visual these lessons are, the easier it will be for the kids to grasp the idea of diversity. 

 

Learning The Map 

The India map can be confusing for kids, simply because of the number of territories it is divided into. But, if you have already accomplished the task of teaching them the names of the states, then this will be a rather easy lesson. 

A key tip while teaching the map of India to kids is to ensure that they understand the geographies of the various parts such as mountains, deserts, coasts, etc. This will not only help them associate each state with its own identity but also clear up doubts about why people from different parts of the country are so different culturaly while united in the betterment of the nation. 

You will also find various map exercise kits online that the kids can practice on because surely it’s going to take them more than one try to get all the states right. 

 

Why Republic Day Matters 

Now that you have been able to successfully teach your kids or students about our vast country, it’s time to take them through a quick course in history. This will include historical figures such as scientists, freedom fighters, political personalities, etc. It is advisable to use General knowledge book like this, Which has 1 question on each page, which will help kids to focus and learn 1 question at a time.  

 

The more they learn about the historical figures of India, the more they will be interested to learn why and how we achieved the status of a republic. You could even get your kids a book online that narrates the key moments of India’s freedom march and its iconic freedom fighters. Remember, the best way to nurture knowledge within a child is to strike their curiosity. It is natural that children will take more towards human figures rather than empty facts, so start with the personalities and then move towards facts that surround them. 

Once they have a sense of history imbued within them, they will be able to appreciate the importance of Republic Day and also take part in the various festivities be it in the neighbourhood or at school. 

 

 

Teach Them What The Future Holds 

Kids need to be prepared for the future, so just learning about the past is not enough. Teach them about current facts that they can grasp such as the recent Chadrayan mission and the like, and how the country has moved forward at a great pace over the past century. 

Help them understand our role in the global movements of science and culture, and you will not only create a sense of patriotism but also teach them values that are to be strived for. Don’t think of your kid as someone who is not ready yet for such information, as they often grasp information much faster than adults can. 

 

Summing Up 

As another Republic Day draws near, it is important that we build the future of this country on foundations of knowledge, diversity, and inclusivity. This is where your role as a parent or a teacher is highly important. When you teach the youth of this country you are not only inculcating knowledge, but you are actively shaping what tomorrow will look like for all of us. 

So, follow a linear path of learning and use the resources available to you to make the process healthy and interesting. Every child has in them a sense of natural curiosity and yearning for knowledge, and it is our duty to ensure that they are given ample opportunities to sustain it. 

India is a vast nation, so take your time as you explain the differences and similarities of all the people who live within it. These tips will help guide you through the course of teaching these young adults, and also make sure to curate the process as per your child’s unique requirements.