Creative Connections: MasterBooks “My Country, My World” + Art Makes Me Smart
Pairing My Story Level 2 Geography with Art‑First Learning
If your family is working through MasterBooks’ My Country, My World (Level 2), you’re in the middle of a truly global adventure—traveling by boat, rail, sled, and even hot-air balloon as your children discover the people and places that make up our world.
And while the stories and geography lessons are rich on their own, there’s a beautiful opportunity to go even deeper, by creating alongside what you’re learning.
That’s where the Art Makes Me Smart Membership comes in.
This Creative Connections guide shows you exactly how to pair MasterBooks’ My Country, My World with hands-on art projects, cultural recipes, music, and artist studies, all designed to make geography tangible, memorable, and joy-filled.
Let’s Match It Up: Level 2 Lesson Pairings
Below you’ll find lesson-by-lesson connections to our Around the World, Composer Studies and Discover Artists content, making it easy to extend learning without adding more planning to your plate.
Lesson 2: To Australia in a Bathyscaphe
Around the World – Australia
Explore Aboriginal-inspired dot painting, the Great Barrier Reef, and Australian wildlife while learning about geography, culture, and nature through creativity.
Lesson 4: Going to the Islands on a Hot-Air Balloon
Around the World – Polynesia
Create a painted tapa cloth-inspired design and Maori jewelry while learning about the beautiful traditions of the Polynesian islands.
Lesson 6: A Ferry to India, Turkey, and Pakistan
Around the World – India
Explore the beauty and diversity of India through art projects like Gond Style Nature Portraits and a detailed Taj Mahal Painting. These hands-on activities highlight traditional patterns, architectural wonder, and storytelling through color and design.
Around the World – Turkey
Create richly patterned art inspired by Turkish Rugs and design your own vibrant Evil Eye talisman. These projects invite kids to explore symbolism, repetition, and cultural tradition through accessible, open-ended art.
Lesson 8: Dogsled to China and South Korea
Around the World – China
Create a Chinese dragon, explore the Ming Dynasty, and try delicious Chinese recipes.
Lesson 9: A Rickshaw Through Japan
Around the World – Japan
Create wood block stamps and koinobori fish while learning about Japanese traditions.
Lesson 10: Over to Russia by Railroad
Around the World – Russia
Explore Russian cathedrals and Matryoska Dolls while creating your own. Try Russian recipes like Russian Borscht and Strawberries Romanoffi.
Composer Study: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Explore the rich emotion and storytelling in Tchaikovsky’s music, from The Nutcracker to Swan Lake, while learning about Russian culture and creativity.
Lesson 11: Get Your Sled for Finland, Sweden, and Norway
Around the World – Scandinavia
Explore folk patterns, and create 3D viking ship art while learning all about Scandinavia.
Lesson 12: On a Golf Cart Through the United Kingdom and Ireland
Around the World – United Kingdom
Create Illuminated Letters and design a Family Coat of Arms—projects that highlight the medieval artistry and symbolism of the British Isles. These hands-on activities offer a fun and meaningful way to explore history and heritage through creativity.
Discover Artist: Beatrix Potter
Dive into the world of gentle storytelling and nature illustration with this beloved British author and artist. Perfect for cozy afternoons, this study encourages careful observation, character drawing, and a love for the quiet details.
Around the World – Ireland
Celebrate Irish culture with Potato Stamp Art and Celtic Knot Designs—simple projects that explore tradition, pattern, and folk art while strengthening fine motor skills.
Lesson 13: A Horse and Carriage Across France, Portugal, and Spain
Around the World – France
Create Pointillism Eiffel Towers and whimsical Powdered Wig Portraits to explore the elegance and imagination of French history and culture. These projects encourage fine motor skills, color experimentation, and historical curiosity.
Discover Artists: Henri Matisse
Study the bold color and joyful simplicity of Matisse’s cut-paper designs. This artist study invites children to explore composition, creativity, and self-expression through accessible materials and playful design.
Josquin Des Prez Composer Study
Introduce your learners to the rich, harmonious sounds of Renaissance France with the music of Josquin Des Prez. His choral compositions pair beautifully with quiet art time or reflective journaling as you study medieval and early modern France.
Around the World – Spain
Dive into Spanish culture with expressive Bull Paintings and traditional Paper Fans. These projects help children engage with movement, color, and historical tradition while exploring a vibrant corner of Europe.
Around the World – Portugal
Paint the iconic Barcelos Rooster and create your own Tile Art inspired by Portugal’s famous azulejos. These hands-on projects combine storytelling, pattern work, and cultural symbolism for a rich creative experience.
Lesson 14: Riding a Chairlift Over Germany, Switzerland, and Austria
Around the World – Germany
Step into the heart of Germany with creative projects like a Gingerbread Cuckoo Clock and a Berlin Wall painting. Extend the experience with hands-on recipes like Wiener Schnitzel and gingerbread cookies to bring history and tradition to the table.
Johann Sebastian Bach Composer Study
Explore the brilliance of Baroque music with the works of Bach, one of Germany’s most celebrated composers. His music pairs beautifully with painting, sketching, or journaling, adding depth and rhythm to your creative time.
Lesson 15: Italy and Greece by Cargo Ship
Around the World – Italy
Explore the richness of Italian history and design with projects like Resist Mosaic Art and Pompeii Scratch Art. These hands-on experiences are perfect for bringing classical themes to life through creativity and curiosity.
Antonio Vivaldi Composer Study
Add a musical layer to your learning with the joyful rhythms of Antonio Vivaldi. His vivid compositions, like The Four Seasons, pair beautifully with painting, journaling, or nature-themed projects.
Discover Artists: Leonardo da Vinci
Step into the world of invention and imagination through the lens of Leonardo da Vinci. This artist study blends art, science, and storytelling, encouraging kids to sketch inventions, practice mirrored writing, and observe nature with curiosity and wonder.
Around the World – Greece
Travel back to ancient Greece with hands-on projects like Greek Column Drawings and Gold Coin Designs. These activities offer a meaningful way to explore mythology, architecture, and the lasting influence of Greek culture.
Lesson 19: Zipping to Egypt on an AutoGyro
Around the World – Egypt
Travel back to ancient Egypt with hands-on projects like papyrus-style cartouches and a shimmering Pharaoh necklace craft. These creative activities help kids connect with the art, symbolism, and storytelling of one of history’s most fascinating civilizations.
Lesson 22: Riding an Elephant Through Madagascar and South Africa
Around the World – South Africa
Explore the bold colors and rich symbolism of South African culture through hands-on projects like Zulu Mask Making and a Nelson Mandela Portrait. These creative activities open the door to thoughtful conversations about leadership, heritage, and the power of visual storytelling.
Around the World – Madagascar
Celebrate the unique beauty of Madagascar with playful Lemur Paintings and a nature-inspired Vanilla Plant Watercolor. These projects invite kids to explore gouache and watercolors while building artistic confidence through texture and color.
Lesson 25: Sailing a Clipper Ship to Chile and Argentina
Around the World – Argentina
Discover the beauty of Argentina through a radiant Sun Art Collage inspired by the national flag and a stunning Waterfall Painting that captures the power of Iguazú Falls. These projects celebrate the natural and cultural highlights of this vibrant South American country.
Lesson 27: Up in a Zeppelin to Brazil and Uruguay
Around the World – Brazil
Celebrate the rhythms and color of Brazil with joyful, hands-on projects like Carnival Masks and musical Rain Sticks. These activities invite kids to experience the lively spirit and cultural richness of Brazil through sound, color, and creativity.
Lesson 34: Off to Mexico by Jet
Around the World – Mexico
Experience the rich traditions of Mexico with vibrant Amate Bark Art and colorful Día de los Muertos Frame Art. These projects celebrate Mexican culture through meaningful symbolism, bold colors, and hands-on creativity.
Lesson 35: On Our Wheelchair Through Canada
Around the World – Canada
Explore the beauty of Canada with a charming Beaver and Flag Drawing and a peaceful Maple Leaf Watercolor project. These nature-inspired activities offer a gentle way to connect with Canadian symbols and landscapes through art.
Why This Pairing Works So Well
When you combine My Country, My World with art-first learning, you give your child:
- A multisensory way to remember geography
- Space to slow down and connect emotionally
- Opportunities for creativity without perfection
- Shared experiences that build confidence and curiosity
This isn’t extra work, it’s deeper learning through connection.
Ready to Explore the World Through Art?
All of these projects, and SO many more, are included inside the Art Makes Me Smart Membership. Everything is open-and-go, flexible, and designed to fit real-life homeschool rhythms.
Already a member? Log in and start exploring Around the World!
