Subject: So. Studies/Sciences: Geography/Cultures

Hands On Crafts for Kids Series 9: Cultural Traditions of the Islands (cc)

This series explores different cultures and fun things about different parts of the world - with one special twist - a concentration on islands. Each program visits one island and viewers learn about the island's culture and habitat through hands-on crafts. It's all about getting to know people of other cultures, not just on these islands, but at home too! Every project has five main steps and five main ingredients; plus the basics, like scissors, black markers, rulers and toothpicks. Produced by Katherine Stull, Inc. Closed-Captioned. Programs available on 13 individual DVDs, Digital Streaming Files or Videos; also in a 13-Disc Set. For pricing call in US: 800.876.2447/Intl. 603.434.9262 or e-mail
Also see: Series 1; Series 2; Series 3; Series 4; Series 5; Series 6; Series 7; Series 8; Series 10; Series 11; Series 12

List of Titles

1. The Bahamas (cc)

The Bahamas are located in the Atlantic Ocean east of Cuba and Florida; the Bahamas are actually over 700 islands. When Columbus discovered them in 1492, they were the home of the Lucayan Indians. Tourism is the major industry here and the low-lying islands are ringed by coral reefs and beautiful water. The name Bahama Click for more

2. The Philippines (cc)

The Philippines are actually made up of 7100 islands; this is called an archipelago. Located north of the equator in the westernmost Pacific Ocean, the Philippines are north of Indonesia and directly east of Vietnam, a part of the East Indies. The people here are known as Filipinos. The Philippines is a place of contrasts. Click for more

3. Sicily (cc)

Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean. Located off the southwest tip of Italy, it shares many cultural traditions with Italy, but also has a culture all its own. Because of its history and location, there is evidence of Asian, African and European traditions, especially from Greece and Italy. Sicily is Click for more

4. New Zealand (cc)

New Zealand is made up of 2 major islands and is located southeast of Australia; it is a very mountainous country with some large coastal plains. Tourism is the largest growth industry here. It was originally settled by the Maori people, a combination of Iwi, Hapu and Whanua; the name Maori is derived from Ma-Uri, Click for more

5. Madagascar (cc)

Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world, located just 250 miles from the east coast of Africa. In the late 1690's and early 1700's, Madagascar was a refuge to pirates because of the Indian Ocean trade routes; it is also know as the great Red island. The main languages spoken here are Malagasy and French. Click for more

6. Taiwan (cc)

Taiwan is part of the Republic of China between the Philippines and Japan. Its culture is influenced by China, but also has elements of Japan and the west. Many traditional values are based on Confucianism, a system of thought developed from the teachings of Confucius. It covers conduct, practical thought and social Click for more

7. Puerto Rico (cc)

Puerto Rico is located southeast of Cuba and Hispaniola in the Caribbean Sea; it is a self-governing territory of the U.S. Puerto Rico is Spanish for "rich port." Compared to some of the other islands in the Caribbean, Puerto Rico has a high standard of living with a vibrant industrialized economy. Spanish and English Click for more

8. Cuba (cc)

Cuba was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1492 and is the largest island in the West Indies. Located south of Florida, it is semi-tropical and has over 3500 small islands surrounding the main island. Music and dance personifies the culture here, especially the traditional Salsa. Cuba's proximity to Haiti, the Click for more

9. Jamaica (cc)

Jamaica is the third largest island of the West Indies located in the Caribbean Sea south of Cuba, and known for its beautiful natural surroundings of mountains and beaches. Its cultural traditions reflect both African heritage and British style. It is named after the Native American word Xaymaca, which means "isle Click for more

10. Hispaniola (cc)

The island of Hispaniola is home to both the Dominican Republic and Haiti; each country with two very different cultures. Dominicans speak Spanish and follow Spanish traditions; Haitians are mostly of African descent with French traditions. Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere. Haitian Creole language Click for more

11. Tahiti (cc)

Tahiti is one of the 118 islands of French Polynesia. Sometimes people refer to all of French Polynesia as Tahiti, but this is not correct; it is the largest and most populated island, with the unique capital city of Papeete. Tahiti is located about 2700 miles south of Hawaii and 3600 miles east of Australia. French Click for more

12. Japan (cc)

Japan, or Nippon, means, "the land of the rising sun." Japan consists of 4 major and over 4000 smaller islands and is a mostly mountainous country. It is a major economic force in the world. Its culture is ancient with centuries of Asian influence and tradition. Japanese culture reveres simplicity, but loves ceremony Click for more

13. Ireland (cc)

Ireland is known as the Emerald Isle for its beautiful landscapes; it is the second largest of the British Isles, located east of continental Europe. The Irish people are of Celtic origin, leading to many of its traditions. Farming once was the traditional occupation of Ireland and the Celtic style has many stylized Click for more