English 
Українська 
Tools and materials for learning Ukrainian Language & Culture
Welcome to the Resources page of the Tidewater Ukrainian School website. Here, we aim to provide a comprehensive collection of tools and materials curated to support the learning and cultural exploration of Ukrainian heritage. Our resources cater to students of all ages, as well as community members interested in deepening their understanding of Ukrainian culture.
This page is designed to be dynamic and evolving. We’re committed to regularly updating and expanding our resource collection to ensure it remains a valuable and current tool for everyone. Moreover, we highly encourage our community to engage with us actively. If you have suggestions for additional resources or would like to share tools that have been helpful in your learning journey, we welcome your input. Let’s work together to make this page a rich repository of knowledge that celebrates and promotes Ukrainian culture.
Below you’ll find organized sections, each dedicated to specific types of learning materials and community resources. We encourage community engagement and suggestions for additional resources.
Learning Apps
In today’s digital age, technology offers us incredible tools to learn and immerse ourselves in new languages and cultures from anywhere in the world. This section is dedicated to bringing you a curated list of learning apps that are perfect for students of all ages interested in Ukrainian language and culture. From toddlers getting acquainted with their first Ukrainian words to adults looking to dive deeper into the language and cultural nuances, there’s something for everyone.
We’ve grouped these resources by age to help you find the most suitable apps for your learning journey. Whether you’re looking for fun and interactive games for your little ones or more structured lessons for teens and adults, you’ll find a range of both free and paid options here.
Your contributions matter! If you know of an app that has been particularly helpful in your Ukrainian learning journey, or if you’re a developer with an app to suggest, we’d love to hear from you. Submit your suggestions to help us keep this list as comprehensive and up-to-date as possible.
For Kids
“Давай займемось текстом”
(Let’s Do Text)
Created by Natalya Misiuk and Oleg Novosad, this app makes learning Ukrainian fun with games, humor, and various courses. It’s suitable for beginners to advanced learners who enjoy creative and interactive learning. The app includes games for learning new words, mood boosters, and comprehensive training courses.
Age Rating: Teen
Mova
With the main character Lepetun, “Mova – DNA of the Nation” offers an engaging way to master Ukrainian spelling rules, expand vocabulary, stress words correctly, and eliminate Russicisms. It features an illustrated library of concise rules and exercises.
Age Rating: 4+
Link: iOS
For Adults
“Р.І.Д” (R.I.D.)
This app aims to deepen knowledge of Ukrainian words, culture, and history through a game-like experience, offering daily new words to memorize.
Link: Android
Games
“Літералі”
A word game that challenges players to form words from 25 letters. Unused letters “burn,” adding a time constraint to the gameplay.
Link: iOS
“Гра слів”
Similar to “Кобза” and “Літералі,” this game pits players against each other in a battle of vocabulary and quick thinking.
Link: iOS
Recommended Books
Our Recommended Books section is a curated list designed to help you learn more about Ukrainian culture across various subjects, including the Ukrainian language, cuisine, traditions, and art. Our selection ranges from essential language learning materials, like the “YABLUKO Ukrainian Elementary and Student’s Book”, complete with online audio resources, to cookbooks that give you a taste of Ukrainian cuisine and insights into the country’s traditions and art. This collection aims to provide valuable information for people of all ages interested in exploring Ukraine’s rich cultural landscape.
We value community input and invite you to share any book recommendations that have enhanced your understanding or appreciation of Ukraine. Your suggestions could become part of our recommended list, helping others in their journey to discover more about Ukrainian culture.
Language Learning
YABLUKO Ukrainian Elementary and Student’s Book
Designed for elementary learners, this course includes 12 units spanning 120 – 150 hours of study. It develops speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills through authentic texts and diverse exercises enriched with modern Ukrainian cultural insights. Includes a workbook and accessible online audio materials.
Colloquial Ukrainian
A comprehensive self-study resource, Colloquial Ukrainian provides a clear and practical approach to learning the language. It’s packed with practical examples and exercises that focus on everyday conversation and real-life situations.
Beginner’s Ukrainian With Interactive Online Workbook
A beginner-friendly approach to Ukrainian, offering an engaging way to learn through reading, writing, speaking, and understanding. The third integrated edition links to the Ukrainian-English Collocation Dictionary through designed exercises in its 15 lessons, covering common conversational topics and grammar foundations. Includes online interactive exercises.
Big Book of Ukrainian Alphabet for Kids
A bilingual Ukrainian alphabet book designed for kids, featuring over 130 Ukrainian words, colorful illustrations, and translations with pronunciations for each word. It’s a fun and engaging way for children to learn Ukrainian letters and vocabulary.
Children’s Books
Panda Opposite
Hedgehog: Tales of the Enchanted Forest
A heartwarming story teaching children the power of courage and the spirit’s strength over physical might. It’s a tale of overcoming insurmountable obstacles with a great heart and the will to do so.
A Magical Journey Through Ukraine: Tales for Children
Take young readers on an enchanting journey through Ukraine with this collection of traditional tales, exploring the nation’s folklore with stories of adventure, wonder, and magic.
Ukraine For Kids: A Children’s Guide
An educational journey through Ukraine’s culture, history, and traditions, featuring beautiful illustrations and engaging content to teach children about this vibrant country. Covers geography, people, festivals, cuisine, and notable Ukrainians, making learning fun and interactive.
Food and Cuisine
BUDMO! Recipes from a Ukrainian Kitchen
Celebrate the rich culture of Ukrainian cuisine with this collection of traditional Eastern European recipes presented with a modern twist. Ukrainian-born chef Anna Voloshyna brings fresh and vibrant ingredients to each plate, reimagining classics like pkhali, borscht, and her grandmother’s duck. This cookbook is a celebration of Ukrainian hospitality and heritage, showcasing dishes perfect for gatherings and revealing the mouthwatering flavors of Eastern Europe.
The First Ukrainian General-Practical Kitchen
Olha Franko’s “The First Ukrainian General-Practical Kitchen,” initially published in 1929, became a staple in Galician kitchens. Today, it returns in its original form, enriched with comments from renowned Lviv culinary blogger Marіanna Dushar, exploring Galician culinary traditions. The book is illustrated with modern photos and drawings from the original publication.
Solodke pechyvo by Dariya Tsvek
Daria Tsvek’s recipes are a must-have in every Western Ukrainian kitchen, covering various types of dough, desserts, drinks, and preserves. Known for her accessible style, reading her books feels like browsing through a mother’s or grandmother’s culinary notes.
The Authentic Ukrainian Kitchen
Chef Klopotenko’s work emphasizes Ukraine’s culinary independence, free from Soviet influence, offering dishes like savory borscht variations, pampushky, holubtsi, and Lviv-style cheesecake. This cookbook is not just about food; it stands for the preservation of Ukrainian culture under threat.
Baba’s Kitchen: Ukrainian Soul Food
Explore the soul of Eastern Europe through “Baba’s Kitchen,” which combines outrageous stories, life advice, and 200 recipes from survivors of Soviet and Nazi terror. This book delves into Ukraine’s indigenous culture, offering a vivid mix of traditional recipes, home remedies, and a celebration of Ukrainian resilience.
Warning: 18+ Restricted
Culture and History
The Great Book of Ukraine
This trivia book offers a comprehensive exploration of Ukraine’s history, pop culture, folklore, and more. Learn everything from how Ukraine got its name to the deep meaning behind the country’s flag colors, and the significance of traditional dishes like Borscht.
The Story of Ukraine: An Anthem of Glory and Freedom
Experience Ukraine’s vibrant history and spirit through the national anthem. Each line is explored in detail, showcasing the country’s diverse landscapes, achievements, and enduring strength. Presented in both English and Ukrainian, this book by Olena Kharchenko and Michael Sampson, illustrated by Polina Doroshenko, offers a deep dive into Ukraine’s culture.
The Gates of Europe: A History of Ukraine
Discover the tumultuous history of Ukraine, a land that has served as a strategic gateway between East and West for centuries. Historian Serhii Plokhy presents Ukraine’s story through its battles over territory and its quest for sovereignty, shedding light on the nation’s role in shaping European history.
Borderland: A Journey Through the History of Ukraine
Anna Reid offers a comprehensive overview of Ukraine’s history, from the Mongol invasion to the present conflict with Russia. This book provides insight into Ukraine’s role as a cultural and geopolitical borderland, showcasing its resilience and the complex layers of its national identity.
Red Famine: Stalin’s War on Ukraine
Anne Applebaum delivers a harrowing account of the 1931-1933 famine in Ukraine, where Stalin’s policies led to the deaths of millions. This meticulously researched book not only narrates the tragic events but also examines their historical and political implications, highlighting how this devastating period shaped Ukraine’s national consciousness.
Art and Literature
I Give You The Sun
Peek into the enchanting world of Maria Prymachenko, a unique figure in Ukrainian art. This catalog showcases over 100 works from Prymachenko’s collection, blending traditional folk painting with her vibrant imagination. Accompanied by insightful commentary on her life and legacy, this book opens a window to the rich tapestry of Ukrainian culture.
Glory to Ukraine
This publication celebrates Maria Prymachenko’s legacy, featuring over 100 of her original works. The book delves into Prymachenko’s influence on Ukrainian and global art, her commentary on societal issues through her work, and her unparalleled contribution to the artistic heritage of Ukraine. A must-read for art enthusiasts and cultural scholars alike.
In the Eye of the Storm: Modernism in Ukraine
Explore the vibrant avant-garde art movement in early 20th-century Ukraine. This comprehensive study accompanies an exhibition that highlights the significant contributions of Ukrainian artists to modernism, against the backdrop of political turmoil and cultural shifts. A fascinating read for anyone interested in the interplay between art and history.
Traditions and Folklore
A Ukrainian Christmas
Discover the essence of Christmas in Ukraine with this beautifully illustrated book that celebrates the hope and resilience embedded in the festive season. Learn about unique Ukrainian Christmas music, gifts, and food, and understand how these traditions have been a source of strength and unity for the Ukrainian people through times of challenge and change.
My Magical Ukraine: A Coloring Book for Kids
This is a coloring book that introduces children to Ukrainian culture and traditions. It features activities that cover customs, traditional dishes, musical instruments, and more, helping kids learn about and appreciate Ukraine’s heritage.
Ukrainian holiday traditions. Folk customs
This book explores the diverse and unique Ukrainian traditions and customs. It sheds light on the meanings behind traditional words and practices, offering readers an insight into Ukraine’s vibrant cultural heritage.
Tests and Quizzes
Time to Have a Little Bit of Fun…
The Internet offers a wide variety of tests and quizzes for learning the Ukrainian language and understanding its culture and history. We’ve chosen a few that we think will be particularly useful for learners. These include quizzes to help improve language skills as well as some fun tests to check your knowledge of Ukrainian traditions and historical facts. These resources are designed to make learning interactive and enjoyable. Explore these tests and quizzes to enhance your understanding and proficiency in Ukrainian.
Ukrainian Traditions
This section features blog articles about Ukrainian traditions, including Easter, Christmas, Ivana Kupala, and others, written by our teachers. These articles aim to provide insights into Ukrainian cultural practices. We regularly update this section with new content, so we invite you to revisit it often to see the latest articles.
If you have your own article on Ukrainian traditions you’d like to share, please feel free to submit it using the form below. We look forward to your contributions to enrich our understanding of Ukrainian culture.
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Ukrainian Christmas: Time-Honored Traditions and Unique Cultural Twists
Ukrainian Christmas – a time rich in tradition and community spirit; a season filled with age-old customs, festive dishes, and heartfelt carols that bring families and neighbors together in celebration. Join in and feel the true spirit of the holidays in the heart of Ukraine.
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Spring Traditions in Ukraine: From Willow Sunday to Easter Celebrations
Learn about traditional Ukrainian spring practices, such as Willow Sunday, thorough cleaning on Holy Thursday, and the art of pysanky. Learn about the traditional songs that honor the arrival of spring and nature’s renewal through a compilation.
Community Resources
The Ukrainian community in Hampton Roads, while not as large as those in other major metropolitan areas of the US or Canada, is strong and continually growing with each wave of immigration. This growth has led to the establishment of various organizations, online communities, and local Ukrainian-owned businesses, ensuring the community remains vibrant and active.
Below, you can find a curated list of local community resources, including organizations, online communities, and businesses that enrich the Ukrainian community’s cultural and social landscape in Hampton Roads.
Tidewater Ukrainian Cultural Association (TUCA)
TUCA, the Tidewater Ukrainian Cultural Association, is a vibrant community of Ukrainian Americans in Southeastern Virginia, founded during a historic visit by Ukrainian Naval Forces in 1996. United by a shared love and respect for Ukrainian heritage, culture, history, and traditions, its members range from first-generation Ukrainian-Americans to those with distant Ukrainian ancestry, as well as enthusiasts of Ukrainian culture and history. TUCA aims to introduce the local community to Ukrainian culture, increase awareness of Ukrainian history, support humanitarian projects in Ukraine, and offer friendship and support to Ukrainian visitors. Through a variety of activities and programs, TUCA fosters a sense of fellowship among those with similar backgrounds and interests.
Embassy of Ukraine in the U.S.
Address:
3350 M Street N.W.,
Washington D.C., 20007, USA
Telephone:
+1-202-349-2920
Email: emb_us@mfa.gov.ua
Website: http://usa.mfa.gov.ua
Local Ukrainian-Owned Businesses
- Krem Bakery and Cafe
Address: 2923 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Website: https://www.krembakeryandcafe.com - Operation Brew
Address: 1329 Oceana Blvd Suite 100, Virginia Beach, VA 2345
Website: https://operationbrewva.com
- The Veranda (Restuarant)
Address: 401 N Great Neck Rd #129, Virginia Beach, VA 23454 - Pour Girls (Restaurant)
Address: 17 E Queens Wy E, Hampton, VA 23669
Website: https://www.pourgirlsbar.com
Facebook Groups
External Resources
We encourage members of our community to explore quality Ukrainian content. For this purpose, we’ve selected podcasts that cover various aspects of Ukrainian life and culture, YouTube channels showcasing Ukrainian history, our beautiful language and contemporary life, and other valuable links. These resources are a great way for anyone interested in learning more about Ukraine, improving their language skills, or simply enjoying Ukrainian cultural content.
Named after T. H. Shevchenko
The Kapranov brothers, Ukrainian writers and publicists, created this YouTube channel to discuss Ukrainian history and culture. They explain how Ukrainian cinema evolved, analyze events, and cover the Cossack era, among other topics.
Ukraїner
Ukraїner is a media project that tells enlightening stories about the most remote corners of the country, its people, art, and business in Ukraine. Its YouTube channel combines travel, active tourism, discoveries, journeys, anthropology, and ethnography. The videos shared by the project transport viewers on a virtual expedition through Ukraine.
WiseCow
The WiseCow YouTube channel offers lectures on art, history, journalism, literature, and cinema. For instance, you can listen to courses like “Women’s Names in Art,” “The Hollywood Renaissance,” or “Ukrainian Literature in Names.”
Your Underground Humanities
Ostap Ukrayinets, Yevhen Lir, and Kateryna Dudka founded the YouTube channel to talk about everything related to the humanities: culture, literature, language, etc. They have also released a series of tips on how to switch to speaking Ukrainian.
“Parallel Reality” Podcast
Conversations with Ukrainian women about the challenges of forced emigration, mental health, and adapting to new realities. Hosted by Kseniya Verbachovska, who herself emigrated from Ukraine to Germany due to the war, each episode invites vibrant heroines living in two parallel realities.
Zhadan Speaks
Writer and musician Serhiy Zhadan, in his podcast, converses with notable Ukrainian figures: Oleg Skrypka, Khrystyna Soloviy, Yevhen Klopotenko, Andriy Khlyvnyuk, and others. Each episode is dedicated to a specific theme and personality, making these discussions always intriguing to listen to.
Ukrainian Cult Podcast
Kult team, representing Public Broadcasting Company, challenges myth of Ukrainian cultural provinciality by conversing with experts in history, literature, art, philosophy, and cinema, showcasing its global appeal.
Unmonuments
The “Unmonuments” podcast is a series of cultural and educational episodes by Larysa Latypova and Ilona Dovhan about outstanding Ukrainian women. The authors focus on unknown facts from the lives of the heroines of their episodes, thereby shaping new perspectives on the identity of Ukrainian women.
@prostir.media
“Prostir” is an online history platform simplifying Ukraine’s complex past. It covers military triumphs and USSR’s efforts to dismantle Ukraine, offering an English option for international readers.
“This Happened Before” podcast
The podcast “This Happened Before” connects the past and present, revealing the impact of historical events on our world. Through episodes like one on Bandera and Russian propaganda, it explores Ukrainian-Russian relations to dispel illusions of friendship. It offers an accessible and insightful journey into history.
