Patchwork Designs > HISTORICALLY SPEAKING RUSSIA PATCH PROGRAM

HISTORICALLY SPEAKING RUSSIA PATCH PROGRAM
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1. Russia is the largest country in the world and is located on two continents. It is about 4,000 miles wide. What are the two continents is it located on? Identify the capital, flag and currency used. Identify the symbols on the patch.

2. Several different ethnic groups live in Russia. The largest group descended from the Slavs, who lived in eastern Europe thousands of years ago. Today, the people all share the same Russian language. The alphabet they use has 33 letters. It is called Cyrillic, named after the inventor Cyril. Try to write your name using the Cyrillic alphabet, form a phrase, or count in the Russian language.

3. In 1922, the Soviet Union was created and included 15 republics including Russia. In 1991, the republics became independent . Choose one country other than Russia to learn more about. such as the name of the country, language, flag, terrain, or where it is located.

4. Russians call hospitality khlebosol’stvo. This comes from the tradition of offering bread to guests in their home. Russian cuisine includes such dishes as borscht, (beet soup), zakuski, and an assortment of cold or hot appetizer dishes. Learn more about the Russian tea ceremonies, create a recipe or taste a food product depicting Russia. Examples: beef stroganoff, kompot, tea cakes, booterrodi, pirozhki or gingerbread cookies, pryaniki.

5. St. Basil’s Cathedral is located on Red Square in Moscow. It is known for its beautiful onion domed tops. Russia has many historical buildings, landmarks and sites to see. Research landmark, building, or site such as Catherine Palace, Kremlin Palace, Tsar Bell, the International Friendship Fountain, and the Rainbow Arch.

6. The most important holiday that is celebrated in Russia is Easter. Russian is famous throughout the world for the faberge eggs. Other celebrations and festivals coincide with seasons, independence, or their culture. Create a simulated Russian celebration, create a project or food representing one of their festivals or holidays, view faberge eggs, OR learn more about one of their celebrations. Examples of festivals or other celebrations include: Christmas, May Day, New Year’s, Women’s Day, or Festival of Winter.

7. Many of the most famous ballet dancers in the world are from Russia. Peter I. Tchaikovsky, composer of the Nutcracker, was born in Russia. On December 18, 1892, the world premier of the Nutcracker was held at the Maryinsky Theater in St. Petersburg, Russia. By 1934, the Nutcracker had migrated out of Russia and was performed in other countries. Read the story of the Nutcracker, attend a production of the Nutcracker, create a picture or craft depicting the play, OR learn more about ballet.

8. Music is very important in Russia. Russians enjoy singing traditional folk songs and play unique musical instruments. Try to sing a popular song, dance to Russian music, or learn more about a musical instrument played in Russia. Examples include: a psaltery, reed-pipe, domra, balalaika, and accordion.

9. Many parts of Russia experience freezing winters. Therefore winter sports are popular. Children learn to ice skate or ski at very young ages. Residents also enjoy tobogganing, ice hockey, soccer, swimming, gymnastics, volleyball or basketball. Learn more about one of these sports, play one or watch one.

10. In 1961, Yuri Gagarin, a Russian, was the first person to leave the earth’s atmosphere in a spaceship. The Russians were also the first to launch a satellite, a space dog, and the have the first woman astronaut. What was the satellite, woman and dog’s name? What were the dates of these events?

11. Due to the long winters in Russia, many residents enjoy the pastime of indoor craftwork. From detailed wooden carvings to intricate embroidery the crafts and creations in Russia are unique and specially designed. Other crafts that Russians are known for are: hand painted boxes, Matryoshka dolls, pottery, ceramics, kukli puppets, paintings, clothing, and jewelry. Create a craft or project using a traditional Russian skill.

12. Traditional clothing in Russia is mainly worn for special celebrations or festivals. There are many costumes in Russia but the most popular is the sarafan for women, a loose flowing dress. For men, pants are tucked inside boots with a wide sash tied at the waist. Draw a picture of the clothing, view clothing through books or the internet, or color the paperdolls available in our manual.

13. Some of the best chess champions in the world are from Russia. Other popular games or toys in Russia are similar to those played in the USA such as klassiki (hopscotch), preeyatki (hide and seek), salki (tag), dominos, and checkers. 14. Sunflowers are found everywhere in the European area of Russia. During the summer months many Russians go mushroom and berry picking. Choose an area in Russia to learn more about such as the terrain, animals, or surrounding waters or countries of that area.

15. Many generations have passed down folk tales from the early Russia. Research a folk tale, legend, or story that depicts the Russian heritage. Examples are: Baba Yaga, Baboushka, The Snow Maiden, or the Scarlet Flower

16. There are some animals in Russia that are in danger of becoming extinct because they are hunted for sport. Other animals residing in Russia can have a difficult time surviving during the winter months if they don’t adapt to the cold temperatures. Choose 3 animals that reside in Russia to learn more about. Examples are: brown bear, Siberian tiger, reindeer, polar bear, harp seal, walrus, arctic fox, marmot, weasel, saiga, and mink.