International Learning for Primary Students

Experience First,

Understanding Follows

By Dr Charles Margerison

A Powerful Engaging Pedagogical Approach

Students in 25 countries are using this video-based EdTech resource to enhance learning across subjects such as Geography, Social Studies, English and Oracy.

The www.candokidsworldwide.com resource enables students to “fly from their classrooms” with the Can Do Kids Band to visit countries such as Brazil, India, China, France, South Africa and many more. The focus is on immersive imaginative learning that makes global understanding accessible and engaging.

Meet the Can Do Kids Band

A dynamic team that guides students on fun and meaningful global adventures, they are five teenage musicians from different parts of the world:

  • Lin – Clever keyboard player from China
  • Ace – Dynamic drummer from South Africa
  • Ravi – Innovative bass guitarist from India
  • Amy – Versatile vocalist from the USA
  • Oz – Lively lead guitarist from Australia

 

A Flexible 50-Minute Lesson Structure

Teachers can easily lead the lesson without needing prior knowledge of the country being explored:

  1. Intro (5 mins) – Outline the lesson objective to develop a travel plan for the featured country.
  2. Video (5 mins) – Watch a short country video, from the website, introducing culture, people and places.
  3. Group Discussion (15 mins) – Small groups of 3 or 4 discuss and plan a virtual trip.
  4. Group Presentations (15 mins) – Students present their travel plans and ideas.
  5. Review (10 mins) – Teacher offers comments, encourages reflection and assigns follow-up tasks.

This structure promotes student-led inquiry, collaborative thinking and oral communication.

Experience-Led Learning

Students are introduced to world cultures through:

  • Music and movement from countries such as India, USA, England, China, Australia and beyond
  • Real-life stories of young people sharing their heritage experiences
  • Creative activities, including art, colouring and imaginative discussion
  • Virtual exploration of food, festivals, landmarks and values

Understanding Through Reflection

Following each experience, students explore:

  • Why do people live this way?
  • How is this different or similar to my own life?
  • What character values can I learn—kindness, courage, cooperation?

The platform supports teachers with:

  • Printable teaching guides
  • “Let’s Talk” oracy and values-based questions
  • Links to character education goals
  • Emphasis on inclusive learning

Why It Works

This method helps students learn via:

  • Experience before explanation
  • Exploration rather than instruction
  • Creativity and discussion encouraged.

It is ideal for:

  • Primary and Early Years learning
  • Whole-class and small group instruction
  • Inclusive student-led discovery

Summary

With the Can Do Kids Band, students build global understanding, character values, and a “Can Do / Will Do” mindset through engaging, creative learning.

Student feedback: “First, I saw the video and discussed the issues … then I understood it.”

To get started, the resources are available at: www.candokidsworldwide.com

You can use the explore and learn resources in your classroom today.