Hello World!

: "Hello World"

By: Manya Stojic

Grade level: K-2nd

Buy it: http://www.amazon.com/Hello-World-Greetings-Languages-Around/dp/0439362024

Summary: The book "Hello World" is a story that introduces 42 different languages. This book presents us with how to say "hello" in all these languages. As we are introduced to new countries while we are reading, we learn the locations and also the correct pronunciation of the word. For example, in Hawaii they say Aloha. The pictures in the book are of children from these locations. There skin color, hair, eyes and all qualities that make every person different change throughout the story, although the main shapes of the children's faces are similar representing unity.

Element: I think that this story ties Element 1, self love and knowledge very clearly. The book brings understanding to different cultures. By being able to say "hello" to someone in their own language representing their culture can make a huge different in that person's life. Also, this small gesture at such early ages can trigger and interest in learning more and less judgements. It allows children to become interested in each other at younger ages. The children are able to notice their differences and embrace them. They clearly see that every single language is different, along with the differentiated illustrations. The main point, they see that these differences are good and make up the world.

Activity: I would begin by having a discussion after all the different languages we learned about. I think amazing activities to follow up this book would be how we colored over our own faces in class with crayons and also the abc book. Although a different activity I may do would be to make a "quilt". I would have each children write "love" in their own languages and decorate the piece of cloth with items or colors representing their culture. I would then sew them together creating our "class family".