october 12, 2007 02:53pm

Around the World heads to Chi-Tag

Around the World games will be exhibiting at the Chicago Toy & Game Fair in November.

The Chicago Toy & Game Fair will host a “Games in Education” Forum on Saturday, November 17, 2007 at the Renaissance Hotel & Expo Center in Schaumburg,IL. This 5 hour forum organized and run by High Content Games brings together educators and experts to discuss how and why to use games in an educational curriculum. Topics to be discussed include:

· Why games are good for the brain

· How to evaluate games for their educational potential

· How others are integrating games into their curriculum

· How to differentiate instruction using games

· How games evolve to match developmental levels from early childhood to adulthood

· Practical exercise in evaluating and using games in the curriculum




Karen, a Fourth Grade teacher from Lincolnwood, IL says “I am so excited that the Chicago Toy and Game Fair is now included in the variety of ways for educators. I am a huge proponent of using games in education and incorporate them into my curriculum.”

Be sure to visit www.aroundtheworldgames.com to find and purchase the latest and greatest products to use in the classroom!

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october 11, 2007 09:44am

Around the World wins Dr. Toy Award

Around the World LLC of Seattle, WA is proud to announce that its flagship product Around the World – The Ultimate Global Boardgame for Kids - has been selected as one of Dr. Toy's Best Children's Products 2007.

Dr. Toy's winning products obtain national and international recognition. This is the only program offered free to consumers around the world focused on high-quality, active, learning products that are fun for travel, for leisure at home or at destination.

"These great products will help all parents to overcome the challenge of finding innovative, fun, and interesting things for their child to do." says Dr. Toy.

Stacy E. George , Around the World Founder and CEO, is honored to receive this recognition. "Dr. Toy is a leading expert in our industry and highly regarded by consumers". She adds, "This globally recognized seal of approval will help introduce our innovative and beneficial products to more and more families both here and abroad".

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october 18, 2007 02:38pm

Is multi-cultural education necessary?

The Puget Sound Business Journal agrees with Around the World - global education is necessary in today's global marketplace.

“The U.S. population is culturally diversifying at an unprecedented rate; global perspectives are prolific thanks to multi-media and marketplaces becoming borderless,” explains Stacy George, creator, Around The World: The Ultimate Global Boardgame. “Parents today are keen to this dynamic and searching for ways to prepare their children to contribute in our growing culturally diverse country. Around the World is thrilled to offer parents and teachers a tool to prepare tomorrow’s leaders.”

Check out the following article at
http://www.cultural.org/WorldSpeak.pdf.
and hear from international companies and business leaders on the importance of multi-cultural education.

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october 19, 2007 11:01am

Speaking "World" Blog

Check out Annette Moser-Wellman's blog on Around the World.

Annette is one of the world's leading experts on innovation and leadership. She helps organizations as well as individuals marshal their creative genius and unleash it at work. Annette's company, FireMark Inc, works with leaders of Fortune 1000 firms to create market breakthroughs. She has taught thousands of business people how to use her model for creative thinking and apply it to new products, services and the way we work everday.

Annette comments on the global economy and the need for products like Around the World:

"As Halliburton's headquarters transfers to Dubai (and Americans say goodbye to tax revenues, no pun intended), we witness yet another step forward in the arrival of a global economy. Let's avoid the thorny ethical implications for now and discuss the fact that this is just one more signal that Americans need to develop our international cultural savvy and education. If the global economy is here we need to be speaking the language of 'world'.

A colleague has an interesting and effective way to inform, entertain and educate for multi-culturalism. She has developed a board game called, 'Around the World'.





The game is geared for 8 years old and up, but most any American could benefit. It introduces concepts such as the World Bank, takes you on a tour of Bangkok (which is the capitol of ?), talks about religious temples in Nepal (where they practice ?). It's a 101 course, but good for promoting cultural diversity in simple ways and opening conversation for the whole family.

So, before you get transferred to Sao Paulo, be sure to pick up this game".

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october 24, 2007 01:42pm

ATW now at Boeing.com!

Around the World has joined with Boeing!

Global companies like Boeing seek to sell products to their employees, as well as the public, that align with their mission of promoting diversity and understanding on a global level. Educational and multicultural products like Around the World help these global companies reach their international mix of customers, clients and employees.

Around the World is thrilled to sell it's flagship product at Boeing.com and at Boeing's stores around the country.

Check it out!

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october 24, 2007 01:47pm

Boeing's Ad for Around the World

AROUND THE WORLD GAME
Travel the world without spending a fortune. This fun interactive board game includes questions developed by a team of world travelers sharing first-hand information. Fun for all ages, it provides interesting facts on different cultures and customs while serving as a great training tool for navigating the global economy. Ages 8 and up. Made in U.S.A.

boeingstore.com
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october 25, 2007 09:02pm

PLAY and LEARN with Around the World

Duke Study - Americans, who surprised pollsters in 1985 when they said they had only three close friends, today say they have just two. And the number who say they have no one to discuss important matters with has doubled to 1 in 4, according to a nationwide survey to be released Friday.

It found that men and women of every race, age and education level reported fewer intimate friends than the same survey turned up in 1985. Their remaining confidants were more likely to be members of their nuclear family than in 1985, according to the study, but intimacy within families was down too.

Play is fun! But play is also a whole lot more.

Humans have played since earliest times, and philosophers and scholars have thought about it for centuries. More than 2,000 years ago, Plato suggested, “You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.”

Play is essential for learning and human development.

Play:
Sharpens our minds
Helps us grow
Keeps us healthy
Boosts our creativity

When children play, they learn to:
Solve problems
Make decisions
Express themselves and communicate with others
Recognize boundaries

Children who play do better in school and become more successful adults.


When we don’t play, we are:
Less creative and productive
More sedentary, more easily fatigued, more susceptible to obesity
More likely to encounter social problems and emotional stress

Play also helps us understand history and culture. The way we play shows:
Who we are
What we value
How we regard others
Change over time
Future possibilities



DiscoverGames.com

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october 25, 2007 09:03pm

PLAY and LEARN with Around the World

Duke Study - Americans, who surprised pollsters in 1985 when they said they had only three close friends, today say they have just two. And the number who say they have no one to discuss important matters with has doubled to 1 in 4, according to a nationwide survey to be released Friday.

It found that men and women of every race, age and education level reported fewer intimate friends than the same survey turned up in 1985. Their remaining confidants were more likely to be members of their nuclear family than in 1985, according to the study, but intimacy within families was down too.

Play is fun! But play is also a whole lot more.

Humans have played since earliest times, and philosophers and scholars have thought about it for centuries. More than 2,000 years ago, Plato suggested, “You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.”

Play is essential for learning and human development.

Play:
Sharpens our minds
Helps us grow
Keeps us healthy
Boosts our creativity

When children play, they learn to:
Solve problems
Make decisions
Express themselves and communicate with others
Recognize boundaries

Children who play do better in school and become more successful adults.


When we don’t play, we are:
Less creative and productive
More sedentary, more easily fatigued, more susceptible to obesity
More likely to encounter social problems and emotional stress

Play also helps us understand history and culture. The way we play shows:
Who we are
What we value
How we regard others
Change over time
Future possibilities



DiscoverGames.com

0 Comments | Comment |

november 02, 2007 10:50am

Game PLay in Library Programs

Libraries Speak...
"43% of (libraries surveyed) hosted formal gaming programs where patrons played games in the library."

Check out the following study:

Nicholson, Scott (2007) The Role of Gaming in Libraries: Take the Pulse White Paper

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november 05, 2007 12:12pm

Around the World gets cool!

Geography Is 10 Cool Things

1. It's big.
It's more than maps. Geography's about knowing what's where, why it's there, and why it matters. Knowing geography will make your life more interesting, more exciting, and more fun. Geography opens doors. Get it.

2. It's out there.
Geography is near AND far. It's in your backyard and across the globe. Get to know your community and the people in it, and plan trips with your family to new places you've never been. Want to go overseas someday? Get a passport. Learn a new language and check out foreign exchange and other study-abroad programs for students. Travel the world virtually with games like Around the World.

3. It's what you know.
How fast is your Global knowledge growing? Test it, then try to outsmart another player in Around the World.

4. It's what you listen to.
Regions have rhythms, and the sounds you like may echo cultures a world away. National Geographic, the Smithsonian, and iTunes are all good places to look for great new world music.

5. It's what you eat.
Ever explored the world with a fork and a spoon—or with chopsticks? When you eat out, visit restaurants that serve ethnic foods. Find the region your food is from on a map when you get home. Try ethnic recipes and cook an international meal for your friends and family.

6. It's what you buy.
Everything comes from somewhere. A walk through the mall or the grocery store can be a journey around the world. What's in your closet? Your kitchen? Your living room? What are you wearing right now? Check the labels. Find out where things come from and how they got here.

7. It's what you do.
Slap a map up on your wall. Or get a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit and take part in the game of geocaching or EarthCaching. It's high-tech, real-life treasure hunting—locating items hidden around the world by other gamers.

8. It's academic.
When you get to pick your classes, choose ones that have “geography” in their titles or focus on learning about the world. Choose research topics that let you learn about exotic places and geographic issues like cultural differences and environmental challenges. And sign up for the AP Human Geography class.

9. It's your future.
Geography can take you anywhere and everywhere. One of the hottest fields now is Geographic Information Systems. Check out this Geography Career Guide for more. When applying to college, make sure to choose ones that offer geography courses and a major. (Here's a list.)

10. It's important.
You know how important geography is. Now make sure your teachers, parents, and friends aren't out of the loop. Point them toward MyWonderfulWorld.org so they can get geography, too.

Check out Around the World's photo gallery on our About Us page.

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november 09, 2007 09:44pm

Travel the World for the Holidays!

Where is home for you this holiday season?

Africa*Japan*France*Hong Kong*Seattle

Vist our activity page on at aroundtheworldgames.com and share your holiday travel stories!


(#)

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november 14, 2007 09:40am

ATW sold at Tanga.com

What is Tanga?
Tanga is the cool place to come to find incredible deals on all sorts of cool, geeky stuff. Every night at 7:00 PST (10:00 EST) we will launch one incredible deal to the eagerly awaiting public. Sometimes the deals are too good to be true! So bookmark us, remember our name (TANGA, TANGA, TANGA) and be sure to check back every night for the Deal of the Day. But remember, our products are Here Today, Gone Tomorrow so if you snooze, you lose.

Around the World was chosen by Tanga.com to be auctioned off three times before the holidays! Stay tuned for the last two rounds of buying madness.

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november 29, 2007 12:45pm

The Brain Power of Specialty Games

It's that time of year to start your holiday shopping. There are just so many choices to pick from and Around the World wants to make it easier for you to select the best products for your children this year.

Reading through the various publications out there, I think the following statement sums it up the best,

“Specialty toys offer more value and have an educational aspect, so getting that across to customers is important.” — Sue Warfield, ASTRA

Trust us, kids can have more fun and grow their brain power with educational products versus the mass markets that sell liscensed junk.

Plus, games like Around the World keep on giving all year round. Children love to share their fun in the classroom, summer camp and vacations.

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december 06, 2007 03:53pm

Compete for Global Knowledge

Are you one of those people who likes to see how much they know about the world?

Well, a good friend of mine recently sent me the following internet game that tests your global knowledge. Very similar to Around the World but online.

Check it out:
http://www.minijuegosgratis.com/juegos/hwdykyworld/hwdykyworld.html?a456=c6ba

Of course, when Around the World launches its own on-line version, prepare to be blown away!

Have fun and try it out.

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december 11, 2007 09:23am

10 Ways to Give Your Students the World

Great article by National Geographic's My Wonderful World Campaign.

1. Show students that geography is everywhere.
It's a global world. People, ideas, and products are constantly moving greater distances across our planet than ever before. How we live shapes, and is shaped by, where we live—and what happens in the natural environment. Have your students test their Global IQ and play online games.

2. Bring it up.
Is your school doing enough to prepare students for a global future and to tap into their natural curiosity about real-world issues, from the local to the global? Are the offerings for geography at your school relevant, meaningful, and engaging? (Find out with our school checklist). Start the discussion with other teachers, parents, administrators, and students. Spread the word about My Wonderful World to your colleagues and friends.

3. Find global connections close to home.
Have your students log their global connections over a period of time (a day, a week, or more): who they talk with, what they eat, what they wear, what they read, watch, listen to. Make maps and globes focal points in your classroom and use them often. Bookmark an online atlas or print out outline maps. Use posters, pictures, and other visuals to show global connections near and far.

4. Explore the planet using technology.
From free 2-D satellite maps to 3-D Earths, there's possibility like never before to see our planet in new ways. And zooming into places can create a new perspective on how geography impacts current events. Learn about Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software and how it's changing the way we explore.

5. Make geography part of every subject.
Every subject—from reading, writing, and arithmetic to science, economics, and foreign languages—can include geography. Use real-world examples and data (from sources such as the CIA World Factbook, Population Reference Bureau, National Park Service, or World Heritage Sites) when teaching other topics. When you can, use geography standards-based lesson plans. Prep students for the AP Human Geography test and urge them to take it. And make geography fun—enter your school in the National Geographic Bee and other competitions.

6. Make it extracurricular.
Ask your parent-teacher organization to study the issue and devise ways to bring more geography learning into school. Enlist administration and parent leadership for evening or Saturday programs, festivals, competitions, field trips, geography/international clubs, and other events. And join your local geographic alliance to connect with peers.

7. Connect students with people from other countries and cultures.
More and more kids are using digital and online tools to interact with friends. Help them connect with peers overseas in order to practice languages, develop collaborative projects—even get to know time zones or the International Date Line. Check out programs from the Peace Corps, iEARN, and the Asia Society.

8. Help students envision their futures.
Many kids today will cross physical borders but even more will travel through technology. Inject geographic themes into career exploration. (Here's a geography career guide. And one for GIS.)

9. Go there!
Remind yourself and your students that learning about new places and cultures is about exploration—you don't always know the exact path to take or what you'll find along the way. Take your kids on field trips and look for opportunities to seek adventure and educate yourself about the world firsthand. Consider study abroad, field research, teaching overseas, or getting a grant to support new practices in your classroom. Hear international experts speak at your local World Affairs Council events.

10. Give your students the power of global knowledge.

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december 11, 2007 09:30am

Asia: Continent of Contrasts

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february 29, 2008 10:48am

Eating Around the World

Take a good look at the family size & diet of each country , and the
availability & cost of what is eaten in one week.




Italy: The Manzo family of Sicily
Food expenditure for one week: 214.36 Euros or $260.11



Germany: The Melander family of Bargteheide
Food expenditure for one week: 375.39 Euros or $500.07




United States: The Revis family of North Carolina (Sure hope most American
families eat more fresh fruits and vegetables and less junk food than this family.)

Food expenditure for one week $341.98




Mexico: The Casales family of Cuernavaca
Food expenditure for one week: 1,862.78 Mexican Pesos or $189.09



Poland: The Sobczynscy family of Konstancin-Jeziorna
Food expenditure for one week: 582.48 Zlotys or $151.27



Egypt: The Ahmed family of Cairo
Food expenditure for one week: 387.85 Egyptian Pounds or $68.53



Ecuador: The Ayme family of Tingo
Food expenditure for one week: $31.55



Bhutan: The Namgay family of Shingkhey Village
Food expenditure for one week: 224.93 ngultrum or $5.03

-------------------------------------------- -- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chad: The Aboubakar family of Breidjing Camp
Food expenditure for one week: 685 CFA Francs or $1.23
?

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february 29, 2008 10:56am

Africa: The Documentary

Recently, Around the World went to Africa! We were on a mission to create our first-ever film, to be a part of a collection of video modules.

The first film, Africa, will be coming out this year. It is an extraordinary look at the Culture and Customs, Geography, Language, People and Places of Africa.

Our crew set-out to stop at a variety of Peace Corps sites in order to "experience" the local initiatives and climate of the the communities and people of Africa.

Along the way we met Zulu Chiefs, slept on hut floors, joined ceremonies, rode horses into the Safari, visited after-school programs for orphans of AIDS victims, watched a very volatile post-apartheid rally take place, talked with teenagers working in community art projects, ate dinner with a couple from Zimbabwe (formerly Rhodesia)and learned about their escape from conflict in their homelands.

Around the World cannot wait to bring you this live footage and help students and people around the world learn about how others live and how it imapacts us all.

The video can be used alongside our new Discover Africa Collector Card packs. Hundreds of new questions and facts about Africa that can be played with game or on their own.

We'll keep you posted on the release date for the film, but you it's time to get your hands on Discover Africa Collector Card packs! Preorder now at http://aroundtheworldgames.com/store.php
.

Photos of children attending day-care in Zululand, South Africa
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april 30, 2008 09:49pm

Dalia Lama: Teaching Empathy

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"An unprecedented gathering to engage the hearts and minds of our community by highlighting the vision, science, and programs of early social, emotional, and cognitive learning.
Anchored by the deep wisdom of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, this community–focused event will celebrate and explore the relationships, programs and tools that nurture and empower children, families and communities to be compassionate members of society.
Each of the five days will provide parents, educators, business and community leaders with an opportunity to better understand the real benefits of compassion".
-Seeds of Compassion

Around the World was in the right place at the right time...again. As an early learning manager for United Way, our creator of Around the World, attended several lecture series with His Holiness the Dalia Lama on building compassion in children.

Of course, after hearing His Holiness speak on these issues, we were particulary touched by the simplicity of his words. Spread compassion and it will return to you.

Around the World has many inspirations for creating our dream and COMPASSION is one of them. Compassion is what fuels us to travel and learn about others in order to develop tools that provide children ways to EXPLORE, EXPERIENCE and EXPAND.

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april 15, 2008 10:55am

Worldly Delights: She's Got Game

Worldly Delights
Marketers are responding to increased consumer interest in toys reflecting today's ever more diverse society
By Pamela Brill -- Playthings, 4/1/2008
playthings.com

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SHE'S GOT GAME

As a child growing up in a multicultural household, Stacy George knew firsthand the struggles of being different. "I was constantly trying to help others understand my family's culture and the impact multiculturalism has on the way people live," she tells Playthings. As she grew older, she began traveling the globe to learn how she could effectively communicate this message. The result was the development of her Seattle-based company, Around the World, and a board game by the same name that she describes as “a platform for the learning to begin and continue as the world becomes more global.”

Because making education fun is no easy task, the CEO battled against the misnomer that a product with a social value component was not sellable. Finding distributors and sales reps that feel her game fits within the traditional definition of a toy also posed a challenge.

Nevertheless, George has found success by marketing Around the World direct to the consumer, through schools, home schooling groups and parents. Her sales pitch involves visiting schools and playing the game with students, displaying product at school events and selling via the company Web site (aroundtheworldgames.com), offering discounts to teachers and other groups. “We're beginning to identify a business-to-business approach to work with more distributors who can help get product out on a bigger scale,” she says.

Aside from the flagship game, which incorporates geography with language and world culture, Around the World will be rolling out eight new products this year, comprised of Collector Card packs for eight regions of the world. Each pack includes trivia questions, a world map for tracking journeys and a Savvy Traveler bracelet with a charm specific to the region traveled.

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april 30, 2008 09:58pm

The Look of Compassion

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april 30, 2008 09:58pm

Visual Treats from Around the Globe

Around the World is actively collecting our photos to share on our gallery page for your viewing.

Here is a taste of our global photography endeavors....ENJOY!

Coffee in Israel0408Israel1coffee.jpg

Spice Delight in the Old City0408Israel1spices.jpg

Jerusalem 0408Israel1oldcity.jpg

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may 01, 2008 10:15am

Seattle Monthly features ATW!

For the Love of the Game
Kelley L. Moore
seattlemonthly.com

As much as I enjoy the occasional date with my couch, a Blockbuster rental and a bottle of Cabernet, sometimes it's nice to tune out the TV and tune in to your loved ones. A fun and lively way to make this happen is to host a game night. On a recent game night, I enjoyed the company of Scott Cooper (co-owner of Blue Highway Games); his wife, Laura; and their family, and several of their Queen Anne neighbors. Scott and Laura's home is a cozy retreat from the drizzle outside and the ideal backdrop for a gathering of friends and loved ones.

While the concept of game night isn't exactly new, it's easy to put a twist on the sit-around-the-table tradition. For starters, get off your seat and onto your feet with a supersize version of chess. Players love getting involved with these large pieces and the Twister-esque game mat. And for the champions, give game night prizes such as miniature trophies, playing cards, dice and Games-to-Go. Your guests will appreciate the effort you put in and walk away with a memorable victory.
Keep your guests engaged by creating "stations" in your home that will keep the party moving (literally). Have baked treats and mugs of hot chocolate in the kitchen and use the dining room as a game parlor. Add to the night's theme by substituting the usual tablecloth with one made with jumbo cards: Simply punch holes in the corners of the cards and bind the cards together with ribbon to create a gaming canvas that spans the tabletop and spills over the edge. For a fabulous finish, select a few tabletop accents such as vintage-looking timers or card-suited snack bowls.

Game night is a chance to enjoy your family in a whimsical atmosphere that encourages everyone to be a little silly-how often do we get to trade in adulthood for a round of Doodle Dice?And when in the daily routine of traffic and conference calls can we create our own zoos (Zooreka), travel the globe (Around the World) or search for gold (Pirates at Ocean’s Edge)? Whether you're a gaming pro or a complete novice, you'll be hard pressed not to indulge the child in you when your biggest competitors barely clear the table.

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may 01, 2008 11:46am

Student Traveler

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I've just discovered a very useful website, StudentTraveler.com. At Student Traveler you can learn about all the wonderful ways to "motivate young people to see the world. We believe that those that experience another culture will change for the better and continue to see the world".

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may 01, 2008 02:18pm

One World Now

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How do you get ALL kids involved in the passion for travel and cross-cultural experiences, especially those who are underserved populations?

Well, Kristin Hayden, founder of One World Now (oneworldnow.org), seems to have come up with a great solution!

The mission of One World Now is to provide international learning experiences to underserved youth through world language studies, transformational leadership training, study abroad scholarships and college and career opportunities.

One World Now is spreading the word one school at a time stating, "There has never been a more important time in U.S. history for young Americans to open their minds to other people, languages and cultures in our world.

The recent world events have provided a new urgency for all Americans to reevaluate priorities, increase global awareness, tolerance and understanding for other cultures, religions and ways of life.

It is young generations who have the ability to shift the paradigm towards a new mind-set reflecting one world and one human race, instead of the "us" versus "them" mentality.

OneWorld Now!'s vision offers new opportunities for young people to increase their tolerance, gain new language and leadership skills and to experience other cultures first-hand."

Kristin Hayden is making things happen. You go girl! To get your school or students involved visit oneworldnow.org.

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may 01, 2008 11:04am

Seattle Unplugged with Around the World

LOCAL GAMES
By Tara Spicer
seattlemonthly.com

Seattle Unplugged

For quality games (without the controller) you needn't travel far from home.

Halo 3's debut last September may have had Bill Gates manning cash registers at Best Buy (and penning his billion-dollar signature on a few lucky copies), but the success of Blue Highway Games (Queen Anne, 2203 Queen Anne Ave. N; 206.282.0540; bluehighwaygames.com), which opened last summer, proves to Seattle's game lovers that it's still fun to play around the table. And did we mention that some of 2007's top names in games hail from our own backyard? From pirates to pinball, here are a few local games recommended by Scott Cooper, game aficionado and co-owner of Blue Highway Games.

Around the World ($29.95, selling at aroundtheworldgames.com
Object: The first player to fill in his or her Global Scorecard (by traveling the world, answering questions and gaining tokens) wins.

Cranium: Zooreka ($19.95, Cranium)
Object: Race to build your ultimate zoo. The first player to complete a zoo gets to celebrate Opening Day.

Front Porch Classics: Baseball! ($99.95, Front Porch Classics)
Object: Players young and old launch the pinball and swing the bat to hit singles, doubles, triples and home runs.

Kill Doctor Lucky ($34.95, Titanic Games)
Object: Kill Doctor Lucky. Find a weapon, track the good doctor down and do him in.

Xeko ($29.95, Matter Group LLC)
Object: Travel to exotic destinations and be the one to win the most “eco-points” by the end of the game.

Pirates of the Cursed Sea ($14.95, Wizkids)
Object: Be the first player to get more than half the starting treasure (measured in gold) to his or her home island.

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may 01, 2008 10:58am

Facing the Future

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"Before I didn't realize the problems in the world apart from those of North America, but now I realize the whole world is connected."

- 6th Grade Student, Seattle, WA

This is a statement posted on Facingthefuture.org. How profound is it to hear what children have to say about the world once we allow them to explore it in the context of being connected.

Facingthefuture.org.com is a local non-profit of Seattle Washington. Facing the Future, similar to Around the World, is educating people one child, parent and teacher at a time to explore ways to teach children about the world. Check them out!!

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may 03, 2008 03:24pm

Culture for Kids: Raising Global Citizen

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"We all want our children to be comfortable in this increasingly global world. But how can we best help them understand and respect the different cultures around us? In this dynamic panel discussion, local experts will talk about the benefits of early language learning and share their experiences and ideas for integrating language and culture into young children's lives. Learn about different approaches, local resources and ways that language and culture promote compassion."

Thursday, May 15, 7 to 9 p.m.
Seattle Children's Theatre East Rehearsal Hall
201 Thomas Street, Seattle

Panelists:
Kelly Aramaki
Principal, John Stanford International School

Harriet Cannon
M.C., LMFT Specializing in culture, language & identity

Corey Heller
Founder & Director, Bilingual/Bicultural Family Network

Kevin P. Henry
Diversity Program Coordinator, City of Bellevue

Moderated by Jackie Friedman Mighdoll
Founder & President, Sponge

Culture for Kids: Raising Global Citizens is a free event.
RSVP & Info: events@spongeschool.com, spongeschool.com
425-274-5188

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may 03, 2008 03:46pm

World Citizens

If you haven't checked out spongeschool.com you must. If not for the inspiring approach to multi-lingual, multi-cultural education, for the scientific explanations of how and when children learn most effectively.

For instance:

"Around the age of 10, children go through a developmental stage where they accept what is familiar and turn away from what is different. By making other language and culture a part of your child's life from a young age, you're more likely to get a teenager who embraces it, too".

This statement goes a long way to support the necessity of exposing children to diversity at a young age.

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may 06, 2008 10:21am

HomeSchooling with the Old School House

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Are you thinking about homeschooling your children? Have you already taken the plunge?

Well, I recently met the editors of the Old Schoolhouse Magazine thehomeschoolmagazine.com. The Old Schoolhouse Magazine provides ample opportunity to learn about what other homeschoolers are doing and how they cope with the challenges and triumphs of homeschooling!

I must mention their blog as well. Check it out at thehomeschoolblogger.com/home.php.

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may 12, 2008 01:46pm

My Wonderful World Campaign

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"Give kids the power of global knowledge"

If you've been following this blog, you've heard us rave about National Geographic's My Wonderful World Campaign. mywonderfulworld.org

Well, it just got better!Check out their website for cool travel tips, projects, games and fun quizzes to get your kids, teens or teachers involved!

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may 12, 2008 01:56pm

National Geographic stats

Check out these stats posted on mywonderfulworld.org.

Only 19% of young Americans own a world map.

Only 30% of young Americans can locate Iraq on a map. Our troops have been there since 2003.

44% of active parents say their schools do not focus enough on world geography

74% of young Americans think English is the world's most widely spoken language (it's Mandarin Chinese by a landslide)

We could go on and on, but at least there are ways to combat the ignorance. Play and learn with aroundtheworldgames.com

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may 13, 2008 03:45pm

Global Education Partnership

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Discovery Channel Global Education Partnership's tagline is "Using the power of television to learn".

Check it out at www.discoveryglobaled.org and let us know what you think.

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may 14, 2008 09:44am

Parent Television Network

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I recently met a woman who started a non-profit that broadcasts parent television programming for caretakers raising children. Of course, I go the website to check it out,ptvn.org, and found myself stuck on the fact that there are thousands of TV shows, but NONE on raising children. Can this be right? After thinking about it, it does seem PTVN is onto something.

Check the website for listings in your area and let us know what you think about the programming.ptvn.org

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june 02, 2008 11:40am

Worthy Cause

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Another Africa story. While I was in Durban, South Africa, I stayed at an amazing hostel and met Elmar. Elmar helps African Zulu woman develop revenue steams to support their families through the creation of traditional Zulu art including colorful wire baskets. Yes, wire from telephone poles.

Elmar writes:

Our telephone wire plate project has been running in the Greater Durban area since October 2007 .We have created a steady income for a group of Zulu women, of which some are the bread-winner for their extended families. The wire is supplied by us and the design is left to the crafters. The second phase of our project is to pass on these skills to rural children and in doing so we have committed ourselves, to create an art centre at a primary school in rural Zululand, about 350km north of Durban. To raise funds to roll out this project we are donating the profits of the sale of the plates to the craft centre.
In buying one of these pieces you will be making a contribution towards job creation and education.

Visit the link to see what is on offer http://zuluwirebaskets.blogspot.com/

We thank you for you support.

Elmar Z. Neethling
WINNER OF THE 2008 SOUTH AFRICAN TOURISM WELCOME AWARDS BACKPACKING

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june 11, 2008 11:33am

EarthPulse

EarthPulse: A Visual Guide to Global Trends

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Ever wonder how today's trends in population growth, economic development, technology, and communication affect Earth and our way of life? Immerse yourself in these and other interconnected issues with EarthPulse: A Visual Guide to Global Trends from National Geographic Maps. This interactive website analyzes the human condition, our relationship with nature, and our connected world with informative maps, diagrams, and illuminating imagery. Learn how today's global trends may determine the future of life on Earth.

Submitted by National Geographic
nationalgeographic.com.

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july 03, 2008 10:15am

ATW featured in Old School House Store

A few months back I spoke about meeting the editors of the Old School House Magazine. Well, they were quite impressed with the way Around the World fit into their homeschooling resources that they've added all the Around the World products!

Visit their site at and check out the plentiful resources the OSH Magazine provides. www.theoldschoolhousestore.com

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