Soccer World: South Africa

the long version

Demonstrating how the world’s most popular sport also serves as a common language across all cultures, communities, and ages, this unique handbook explores the diverse country of South Africa through the game of soccer. Documenting the experiences of real-life professional player Ethan Zohn, this guide follows Ethan and his soccer-playing friend Tawela through the home of the 2010 World Cup, as they study ancient cave art and wildlife preserves, observe the migration of whales, and view a professional soccer game at one of the biggest stadiums in the world. Generating engaging, culturally specific activities in math, science, language, geography, and art, this exciting overview includes mask making, hot air experiments, and even learning how to say “hello” in the 11 official languages of the country. Highlighting a beautiful corner of the planet, this reference also provides a chance to choose an actual help project in South Africa, encouraging kids to share their experiences at the Soccer World website.