Learn About Lebanon: Nature!

Welcome to Lebanon, Tiny Travelers!

This week, we have a chance to add a splash of color to Lebanon’s Cedar Nature Reserve!

The largest of Lebanon’s nature reserves, Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve stretches from Dahr Al-Baidar in the north to Niha Mountain in the south. The reserve hosts 32 species of wild mammals, of which 9 are considered to be rare at the international levels.

Cedar trees in Lebanon are special; we know they were used to build temples and ships long ago. In fact, some cedar trees are more than 3,000 years old –WOW!– which is why they symbolize resilience, immortality and strength. At the Cedar Nature Reserve, animals roam free. For this week’s lesson, you will color a scene from the Cedar Nature Reserve, including the following animals:

Wild boar

Red fox

Badger

Hyrax

And of course, a Cedar Tree. 

You might even hear the sounds of the reserve as you color this lovely scene from Lebanon and bring it to life!

Learn About Haiti: Culture!

Welcome to Haiti, Tiny Travelers!

This week, we have a chance to add a splash of color to Haiti’s Rara festival! This carnival, which is full of lively street processions, embodies the musical spirit and vibrant culture of Haiti.

There are many elements that make up the ritualistic musical reunion that is Rara: woodwind instruments called vaksen or banbou, the metal-made trumpet kòne, different types of drums, maracas, grags (also called güiras), flutes, and much more! Streets are enveloped in song and melodies as Rara bands, some featuring only women, make their way through neighborhoods (sometimes for miles!), while parade-goers and fans partake by way of singing and dancing.

The vaksin or banbou are especially popular during Rara — they are long hollow tubes that serve as horns, and, depending on their size, create a different sound! Their unique sound is essentially synonymous to Rara. The tanbou, a barrel drum stemming from Haiti, which is carried cross-body, is also very much present, and it is said that the older the drum…the better the sound!

For this week’s lesson you will color a scene from the Rara carnaval, including the following elements:

Vaksin
Kòne
Tanbou
Chapo pay
Zwazo

You might even feel the music coming through as you color this lovely scene from the parade!