Wednesday, October 2, 2013

School Days Around the World


           School Days Around the World, was written by Catherine Chambers and contains realistic photographs throughout. This book is about seven children from different cultures all around the world coming together to celebrate Earth Day.

    Catherine Chambers starts the adventure with Solomon in Australia and ends with Frida in Peru. Throughout the many adventures the story takes its readers on it also educates them on the similarities and differences between students from one country to the next. I would classify this book as a multicultural nonfiction children's book; for the reason, that it is incorporating true facts about the real world. The photographs that are captured in this book along with the storyline are captivating. This book creates endless opportunities for educators to discuss respect and diversity among different nations. Sample questions could include:
  •  What similarities could you find between Solomon in Australia and Frida in Peru?
  • What was your favorite country to visit and why?
  • What are were some of the activities that the students in other countries did to celebrate Earth Day?
 
        One motivational activity I would have my class do is, a research project on a different country not listed in the book to learn more about their culture. Another activity I would incorporate is the use of the soroban. In Japan, students use the beads on the soroban for math problems. Students would learn to be respectful of difference while learning new cultures.
 
       School Days Around the World, has become one of my favorite books. Students benefit tremendously from reading the book alone. Catherine Chambers had a way of keeping the reader entertained while educating them at the same time. Similar books by other authors include:
  • Welcome to China by Caryn Jenner
  • First Flight: The Story of the Wright Brother by Leslie Garrett
References
 
Chambers, Catherine. (2013). School Days Around the World. DK Publishing.
 

Galda, C. &. (2011). Literature and the Child Seventh Edition . Belmont: Wadsworth Publishing .

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