Creative Connections: MasterBooks “My Story and the World Around Me” + Art Makes Me Smart
Bringing “My Story and the World Around Me” to Life with Art
If you’re using MasterBooks’ My Story and the World Around Me, you’re already taking your kids on a journey across the globe one engaging lesson at a time. But what if you could make those travels even more hands-on, visual, and meaningful?
That’s where the Art Makes Me Smart Membership comes in.
We’ve curated a guide to help you pair your My Story Level 1 lessons with open-and-go art projects, cultural recipes, and music, all designed to bring the stories, places, and people to life.
Think of it as your passport to creative connection giving your children a chance to paint, build, taste, and truly experience what they’re learning in their geography and culture lessons.
Let’s Match It Up!
Here’s how our Around the World units align with specific lessons in My Story and the World Around Me:
Lesson 11: A Trolley Through Mexico and Central America
Pair With: Around the World – Mexico
Paint a vibrant Mexican folk art project, listen to traditional mariachi music, and whip up a festive snack while learning about Mexico’s art, food, and family life.
Lesson 12: A Helicopter to South America
Pair With: Around the World – Argentina or Around the World – Brazil
Choose one country or explore both!
Create a waterfall painting from Argentina or create carnival masks inspired by Brazil. These projects offer rich opportunities to explore music, dance, and geography in action.
Lessons 15–17: Sailing to Africa on a Cruise Ship
Pair With: Around the World – Africa
With 3 different African countries featured, you can create your own Egyptian papyrus cartouches, explore Madagascar and use oil pastels and gouache to make your own lemur, or learn more about South Africa and the Zulu tribes.
Lessons 20–21: Skiing Across Canada
Pair With: Around the World – Canada
Create a watercolor maple leaf and a Canadian beaver, and make maple-inspired treats while learning about Canadian culture and geography.
Lesson 23: On a Junk to China
Pair With: Around the World – China
Create your own Chinese dragon and learn about the Ming Dynasty, creating your own ming vases. You can even try a traditional dumpling recipe—all while studying Chinese history and traditions.
Lesson 24: Riding the Metro Through India
Pair With: Around the World – India
Use vibrant colors to create a Gond Style project or design the Taj Mahal. Pair with Indian classical music and kid-friendly curry to make this lesson a multisensory adventure.
Lesson 25: A Sailboat to the Islands
Pair With: Around the World – Polynesia
Create a painted tapa cloth-inspired design and Maori jewelry while learning about the beautiful traditions of the Polynesian islands. Bonus: tropical fruit snack time!
Lesson 26: On a Surfboard Around Australia
Pair With: Around the World – Australia
Explore dot painting, Aboriginal symbols, and the Great Barrier Reef through art. Add a fun Aussie-themed recipe and music for full cultural immersion.
Lessons 30–34: Discovering Europe
Pair With: Around the World – Europe
Choose from countries like France, Italy, Germany, and more! Each includes hands-on art projects and recipes that transport your family into the heart of European culture.
Discover Artist: Leonardo Da Vinci
Study Leonardo Da Vinci, famous artist and inventory from Italy.
Why This Combo Works
When we combine the structure of MasterBooks with the creativity of Art Makes Me Smart, something magical happens:
- Kids see, hear, and feel what they’re learning.
- Lessons stick.
- Connection grows.
- And learning becomes something they own, not just something they do.
Ready to Add Art to Your My Story Curriculum?
All of these projects—and many, many more—are included inside the Art Makes Me Smart Membership.
No lesson planning required. Just pick your study, print your guide, and create together.
Preview the Membership Here
Already a member? Log in and explore Around the World!
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