10 Creative Ways to Teach Kids About Culture at Home
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Time to read 5 min
Every parent wants their child to grow up kind, confident, and proud of who they are. One of the best gifts we can give our kids is the chance to learn about different cultures, including their own, right at home.
Childhood play is the perfect place to start. Whether you’re teaching about family traditions or exploring new cultures, small everyday moments can turn into powerful lessons.
At Joeydolls, we believe every child deserves to feel seen. Our soft plush cultural dolls, representing cultures like Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Indian, Korean, Cambodian, and Filipino, help kids connect to cultural identity with joy.
Here are 10 simple and creative ways to bring culture into your home.
Table of Content
1. Play with Cultural Dolls 2. Storytime with Multicultural Books 3. Cook a Family Recipe Together 4. Use Flashcards and Stickers 5. Celebrate Cultural Holidays at Home 6. Sing Songs and Nursery Rhymes 7. Play Games from Different Cultures 8. Make an Art Project 9. Explore Family Stories 10. Create a Cultural Movie Night
1. Play with Cultural Dolls
Cultural dolls are more than just toys, but also mirrors and windows for kids. Joeydolls’ plush dolls feature embroidered details, traditional outfits, and a QR code that teaches fun facts. Whether your child cuddles with a Japanese doll at bedtime or plays pretend with an Indian doll, they’re learning to celebrate culture naturally.
2. Storytime with Multicultural Books
Add books featuring diverse characters and traditions to your bedtime lineup. Choose stories about Lunar New Year, Diwali, or Vietnamese Mid-Autumn Festival. Reading about cultures together helps kids see both differences and similarities.
3. Cook a Family Recipe Together
Invite your child to stir, taste, and learn about traditional family meals. Cooking dumplings, adobo, or curry becomes a fun memory and a way to connect with heritage.
Country |
Dish |
Meaning |
India |
Biryani |
A festive rice dish rich with spices, often served at special occasions |
Vietnam |
Bánh Chưng |
Square sticky rice cake made for Lunar New Year, honoring ancestors |
China |
Peking Duck |
A famous dish often served during celebrations, symbolizing prosperity and abundance |
Korea |
Tteokguk |
Rice cake soup eaten on Lunar New Year to symbolize good luck and a fresh start |
4. Use Flashcards and Stickers
Flashcards with cultural symbols or stickers of traditional clothing and foods make learning interactive. Pair them with cultural dolls or puzzles for a full sensory experience.
5. Celebrate Cultural Holidays at Home
Decorate your home for cultural celebrations. Kids love helping set up decorations, singing songs, or wearing cultural outfits.
Holiday |
Country |
Tradition |
Lunar New Year |
China, Vietnam, Korea |
Families gather, exchange red envelopes, and enjoy traditional foods |
Diwali |
India |
Festival of lights, celebrating the victory of light over darkness |
Mid-Autumn Festival |
Vietnam, China |
Mooncakes, lanterns, and family gatherings under the full moon |
Ati-Atihan Festival |
Philippines |
Colorful street parades, dancing, and music honoring the Santo Niño |
6. Sing Songs and Nursery Rhymes
Music is universal! Teach kids lullabies from different cultures. They’ll enjoy the rhythm while absorbing new languages and traditions.
Examples of songs to try:
Sakura Sakura (Japan) – a simple folk song about cherry blossoms
Arirang (Korea) – a traditional Korean folk song about resilience
Bahay Kubo (Philippines) – a fun Tagalog song listing vegetables around a nipa hut
Nani Teri Morni (India) – a cheerful Hindi nursery rhyme about a peacock
7. Play Games from Different Cultures
Games are a fun way to experience another culture. Many need only simple props and spark lots of laughter.
Game |
Country |
Rules |
Ttakji |
Korea |
Players try to flip the other’s tile by slapping their own |
Palayok |
Philippines |
Kids take turns breaking the pot filled with treats while blindfolded |
Leak Kanseng |
Cambodia |
Players sit in a circle while one drops a scarf behind another’s back. If noticed, a chase begins around the circle. |
8. Make an Art Project
Use crayons, paints, or clay to explore cultural symbols and expressions. Displaying their art helps kids feel proud of what they’ve learned.
Fun art ideas:
Paper Lanterns (China, Vietnam) – colorful decorations for Lunar New Year
Hanbok Paper Dolls (Korea) – design and color traditional Korean clothing
Parol Lanterns (Philippines) – star-shaped lanterns made from paper and sticks
Origami (Japan) – folded paper animals, flowers, or shapes
9. Explore Family Stories
Ask grandparents or relatives to share childhood stories. Pair storytelling with dolls. Your child can “act out” the story with a Vietnamese or Cambodian doll.
10. Create a Cultural Movie Night
Pick a family-friendly movie or cartoon from another country, add snacks from that culture, and watch together. Afterwards, chat about the traditions, language, or values shown in the film. It’s a cozy way to explore culture without leaving home.
Why Cultural Learning Matters for Kids
Joeydolls plush cultural dolls are designed with love by an Asian mom who wanted better for her child. Safe, soft, and meaningful, they’re the best dolls for teaching kids about culture at home.
- Builds cultural identity and pride
- Encourages empathy and inclusivity
- Makes learning hands-on and joyful
- Supports language and storytelling skills
Ready to Bring Culture Home?
Because every child deserves to feel seen. Explore Joeydolls’ collection of Asian cultural dolls and start your child’s journey of pride and inclusion today.
Summary
Childhood play is the best way to teach culture
Joeydolls plush cultural dolls support cultural identity
Ideas: storytime, cooking, flashcards, art, role play
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Joeydolls?
Joeydolls is a line of Asian cultural dolls created to celebrate representation, heritage, and inclusion for all children.
What ages are your dolls and downloads for?
Our plush dolls are safe for ages 3+, and our printables are designed with preschool and early elementary learners in mind.
Do I need to be of Asian heritage to use these resources?
Not at all! Our products are for everyone – whether you're celebrating your own culture or introducing your child to new ones.
What makes Joeydolls different from other dolls?
Each Joeydoll is thoughtfully designed to celebrate a specific Asian culture through traditional clothing, symbolism, and storytelling. We collaborate with cultural insiders and families to ensure authenticity and care in every detail.
Where do you ship?
We ship across the USA, Canada, and internationally to selected countries.
Where can I get the other dolls?
You can meet all of our dolls here . Each doll comes with educational content on its background and design inspired by its unique culture.
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About The Author
Samantha Ong
Samantha Ong is the founder of Joeydolls, a Canadian-based toy brand on a mission to celebrate Asian cultures through joyful, inclusive play. Inspired by her own experiences growing up without cultural representation, Samantha designs dolls that help children feel proud of who they are while sparking curiosity and empathy in others. Since launching in 2023, Joeydolls has empowered thousands of families to bring culture, identity, and love into their everyday lives—one cuddle at a time.
