HISTORICALLY SPEAKING MADAGASCAR PATCH PROGRAM
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1. Madagascar is the 4th largest island in the world. Name an ocean that surrounds it. What continent is it located on? What is the capital? Learn what the flag looks like.

2. Madagascar is south of the equator. Therefore, it's seasons are opposite of USA and Europe. Madagascar has many different terrains. They include coastal beaches, coral reefs, mountainous area, volcanoes, lagoons, and tropical areas. Explore the great outdoors. Learn more about one of these terrains, natural creation or complete an outdoor activities that are completed in Madagascar.

3. About 800 species of butterflies are located in Madagascar. There are also a variety of animals and plants unique to their environment. Learn about two [2] animals, flowers, or plants such as the color and size. Examples include: Lemur, Zebu, Egrets, Herons, Cuckoos, Travelers Tree or Flamingos.

4. The official language in Madagascar is Malagasy, derived from Indonesia and Australia. Try writing a word using or learn a few words in the Malagasy dialect.

5. The Malagasy are divided into 17 ethnic groups. The largest group is the Merina. The traditional garment is called the lamba, a shawl wrapped around their bodies. Draw a picture of the clothing, view clothing, try on clothing or create an accessory or piece of clothing resembling the Madagascar clothing.

6. Food in Madagascar is very similar to the food served in Indonesia. It consists of rice, veggies, chicken and a variety of spices. Try some Madagascar food, prepare a recipe, or research more about the fruits or spices used there. Some examples are: oranges, lemons, papayas, bananas and chilies.

7. They have a fortune telling system called sikidy and they use it daily in their lives. It gives them meaning to their dreams by using numbers. Create a fortune teller or cootie to tell your future.

8. Wood Carving is a traditional skill that they have created many artistic pieces of work. There most popular being furniture, tomb posts, soul perches, or statues. Their other skills include painting, weaving, sewing, and embroidery. Try to complete a project representing one of the above crafts OR visit a paint your own pottery place and create your own craft item.

9. There are a variety of Festivals or holidays celebrated in Madagascar. Visit a cultural celebration or re-creation of one of these events OR learn why they celebrated the holiday. For extra fun, you can create a drawing, or art project, or food representing the festival. Some examples of celebrations are the Festival of Rice, Independence Day, and Festival of Trees.

10. Madagascar is the world's largest supplier of vanilla. It is also known for it's coffee, bananas, sugar cane, pineapples, peanuts, coconuts, cotton and guavas. Create something using one of the above items. Examples include: decorating a cotton T-shirt, creating a new label for their coffee, have a fondue party and dip fruits into chocolate, or make sugar cookies.

11. Madagascar children have had fun with traditional games throughout the years. Learn about other games or toys in Madagascar OR that represent Madagascar OR create a game that helps you learn about Madagascar.

12. Traditional Musical instruments in Madagascar include the valiha, a bamboo tube zither; kabosy, a four to six string guitar; sodina, brown flute; and a marovany, similar to a harmonica. Try to sing a song derived from Madagascar, dance to music, create or draw a musical event or instrument, or learn more about a musical instrument played in Madagascar.

13. Movies and books have been written about Madagascar. Watch a movie or read a book. For extra, you can have a fun snack, craft activity or word search about the movie or book.