Detective Booksy’s Guide to Researching the Influence of Customs on Daily Life
Customs are the traditions and behaviors that people follow in their everyday lives. They can be related to how we greet each other, how we celebrate special occasions, or how we do everyday tasks. Customs can vary from one culture to another, and they shape the way we interact with others, the way we live, and even the way we think. Let’s dive into the world of customs and learn how they influence our daily lives!
Step 1: Ask Great Questions
Start your investigation by asking the following questions:
What are customs, and why are they important in different cultures?
How do customs influence the way people greet each other, dress, or eat?
How do customs shape the way people celebrate holidays or milestones?
Why do different countries or cultures have unique customs?
How do customs influence behavior and attitudes in daily life?
These questions will help you explore how customs affect the way people live and interact with one another.
Step 2: Choose Reliable Sources
Here are some kid-friendly sources to help you understand how customs influence daily life:
Books:
"Customs and Traditions Around the World" by Melanie L. Brown – A book that explores various customs from around the world and how they shape daily life.
"The Culture Code" by Clotaire Rapaille – A book that explains how customs and culture influence how we live and think, though you may want to check with an adult before reading.
Websites:
National Geographic Kids – Customs Around the World – A great website to learn about different customs from countries all over the world.
BBC Teach – Exploring Culture and Customs – Videos and articles about customs and how they influence daily life.
Other Sources:
Library Resources – Ask your librarian for books on customs and traditions from different cultures around the world.
Step 3: Take Notes
As you gather information, make sure to keep track of the key facts:
Summarize Key Points: Write down the most important information in your own words.
Use Bullet Points for Quick Facts:
What Are Customs? Customs are traditions or habits that are shared by a group of people, such as how they greet each other, dress, eat, or celebrate holidays.
Examples of Customs: In Japan, bowing is a common way of greeting, while in the U.S., a handshake is more common.
How Customs Influence Daily Life: Customs affect everything from how people spend their free time to how they show respect for elders or express feelings.
Step 4: Organize Your Information
Here’s a way to organize your research:
What Are Customs? Start by defining customs and why they are important in different cultures.
How Customs Shape Daily Life: Explain how customs influence actions and behavior, like greeting people, dressing, or eating.
Example: In Italy, family meals are an important custom and people often spend long hours together enjoying food.
Example: In India, people take off their shoes when entering a home as a sign of respect.
The Importance of Customs in Celebrations: Customs often shape how holidays and milestones are celebrated, such as the Chinese New Year, Christmas traditions, or Thanksgiving in the U.S.
Changing Customs Over Time: Discuss how some customs evolve as society changes.
Step 5: Cite Your Sources
Make sure to credit your sources like a true detective:
Book: Brown, Melanie L. Customs and Traditions Around the World. Scholastic, 2021.
Website: "Customs Around the World." National Geographic Kids, kids.nationalgeographic.com/cultures. Accessed 16 Dec. 2024.
Video: "Exploring Culture and Customs." BBC Teach, www.bbc.com/teach/culture-and-customs. Accessed 16 Dec. 2024.
Step 6: Put It All Together!
Now that you have your information, it’s time to write your research report:
Introduction: Start by introducing the topic of customs and their importance in daily life (e.g., “What are customs, and how do they affect the way we live?”).
Body: Write about how customs shape various aspects of daily life, like greetings, meals, holidays, and other traditions. Include examples from different cultures.
Conclusion: Summarize your findings and explain how customs help define who we are and bring people together.
Fun Fact: Did You Know?
In many Middle Eastern cultures, it’s a custom to greet people with a kiss on each cheek. However, in other places, a handshake or wave might be more common!
Conclusion
Fantastic job, Detective! 🏅 You’ve learned how customs play an important role in shaping the way people live and interact in their daily lives. Keep exploring, and you’ll discover even more ways traditions influence cultures around the world!
