By Dr Charles Margerison, Psychologist and Educator
Introduction
Teachers today face an exciting challenge — helping students understand the world beyond their own borders. The Can Do Kids Band, featured on www.candokidsworldwide.com, offers a creative, character-based approach that connects geography, culture and global citizenship through music and storytelling.
Through their songs, videos and stories, the five members of the Can Do Kids Band guide students aged 7–12 on virtual journeys to countries across the world. These adventures bring to life themes of friendship, diversity and problem-solving — all while encouraging curiosity and respect for people everywhere.
Meet the Can Do Kids Band
The Band represents a global team of young musicians, each bringing their culture, personality, and talents to the group. Together, they model teamwork, respect and the joy of learning from others.
Amy from the USA
A versatile vocalist and natural communicator. Amy encourages students to express themselves confidently and appreciate the power of music to tell stories and share feelings.
Ace from South Africa
A dynamic drummer whose rhythm and energy inspire teamwork. He helps students consider how people from diverse backgrounds can create harmony when they collaborate.
Lin from China
A wizard on the keyboard, creative and thoughtful. Lin loves solving problems and exploring how technology and art combine in modern learning.
Ravi from India
A cool bass guitarist who values peace and balance. He introduces students to cultural festivals and the beauty of traditions that connect families and communities.
Oz from Australia
An adventurous lead guitarist and the explorer of the group. Oz inspires curiosity about nature, wildlife and how people care for the environment.
🌍 Global Representation
Each band member represents a continent and a unique perspective on learning. Together, they show how music, cooperation and curiosity can unite the world.
The Aim: Conversations About Countries
The Conversations About Countries model helps teachers utilise Can Do Kids Band stories to develop global understanding in the classroom. The aim is not only to learn about countries, but to learn from them — through discussion, reflection and creative expression.
Students explore key questions such as:
What makes this country special?
How do people live, learn and celebrate?
What values can we share with them?
How can we care for our world together?
These conversations build knowledge in Geography, Social Studies and Intercultural Education, while strengthening character and communication skills.
Step-by-Step Teaching Approach
Choose a Country on the Globe
Students visit the interactive globe on www.candokidsworldwide.com and spin it to choose a country. The name appears on the screen, prompting curiosity:
"What do we already know about this country?"
"Where is it on the map?"
"What might children our age do there each day?"
This opening step builds engagement and encourages inquiry.
Watch and Listen with Purpose
Each country includes videos, songs and stories presented by the Can Do Kids Band. Before viewing, teachers can set focus questions such as:
"What do Amy and the team discover about life here?"
"What music or art represents the country's culture?"
"How do the people show teamwork or creativity?"
Students take notes and share observations, helping them connect facts with feelings and ideas.
The Conversation Circle
After viewing, form a Conversation Circle. Each student shares something new they learned or found inspiring.
Teachers can guide discussion using prompts like:
"What surprised you most about this country?"
"How does this culture show kindness or respect?"
"What did the Can Do Kids Band members learn?"
Encourage active listening and positive responses. The goal is to help students recognise similarities between themselves and people from other nations, thereby building empathy and understanding.
Creative Follow-Up Activities
To deepen engagement, teachers can offer creative tasks inspired by the Band's experiences:
🎨 Art and Design
Create a flag, costume or poster representing the country.
✍️ Writing
Compose a postcard or diary entry from the band's visit.
🎵 Music
Try clapping or drumming patterns inspired by Ace's rhythms.
🌿 Science/Environment
Research local animals or environmental challenges that Oz might explore.
🎭 Drama
Reenact one of the stories or festivals that Amy sings about.
These activities transform learning into hands-on creativity and personal expression.
Integrating Character and Values
Each Can Do Kids Band story highlights character strengths such as teamwork, curiosity, responsibility and empathy. Teachers can link these directly to personal and social learning goals.
| Character Strength | Example Discussion Question |
|---|---|
| Respect | How do we show respect for different cultures? |
| Curiosity | What new question did you ask about this country? |
| Teamwork | How did the band work together to solve problems? |
| Creativity | What new idea did you create after today's lesson? |
| Empathy | How can we understand what life is like for others? |
Teachers can also use these themes for journal writing or class reflection boards, reinforcing how learning about the world helps us grow as people.
Example Lesson Dialogue
Teacher:
"In today's video, the Can Do Kids Band visited Kenya. What did Ace notice about the music?"
Student 1:
"He said the drumming rhythms were like heartbeat patterns."
Teacher:
"Yes! What does that show about teamwork?"
Student 2:
"Everyone plays together — it only sounds right when they all keep time."
Teacher:
"Exactly. How is that like teamwork in our classroom?"
Student 3:
"If we don't listen to each other, our group work doesn't flow either."
💡 This kind of exchange connects geography to personal and social learning.
Reflection and Teacher Accreditation
Teachers using the CDK programme can record their experiences in a Professional Reflection Journal, available through the Educator's Handbook. Accreditation is gained when teachers demonstrate classroom use, collect examples of student projects and reflect on the learning impact.
Suggested reflection questions:
- •How did the Can Do Kids Band help your students understand other cultures?
- •What character strengths were most evident in your class?
- •How did music and storytelling enhance engagement?
Conclusion
The Can Do Kids Band — Amy, Ace, Lin, Ravi and Oz — offer much more than music. They are ambassadors of curiosity, respect and teamwork. Their journeys encourage young people to think globally, care for others and express their ideas creatively.
When teachers guide Conversations About Countries, they help students not just learn about the world, but belong to it — as thoughtful, responsible and inspired young citizens.
🎵 Through music, discussion and imagination, every classroom can become a world of discovery.
Author Note
Dr Charles Margerison, President and founder of Amazing People Worldwide, is a psychologist. He is also President of Amazing People Schools. Dr Margerison has consulted widely for major organisations in the fields of organisational and educational psychology. He was previously Professor of Management at Cranfield University, UK, and the University of Queensland, Australia.
He founded Amazing People Worldwide in 2006 and is supported by a dedicated global team. He previously co-founded Emerald Publications and Team Management Systems and has authored more than 30 books. Dr Charles is also the creator of Can Do Kids Worldwide, a virtual music group that helps students learn about countries and cultures through music. He has also developed Imagineland, for early learners. You can follow him on LinkedIn.
Start Your Global Classroom Journey
Bring the Can Do Kids Band into your classroom and watch your students become curious, empathetic global citizens.
Classroom Activity Idea
Have students create their own "cultural celebration comparison chart" listing the traditions mentioned in this article. They can research and add traditions from their own culture or family background!
Extension: Students could interview family members about special celebrations and present their findings to the class.