Below is an annotated list of children's literature for the elementary classroom. The books are organized by the Six Elements of Social Justice Curriculum Design (Picower, 2007). It is based on work by pre-service teachers at Montclair State University. They have read and reviewed these books and provided insights into how they can be used in K-5 settings.

Saturday, September 27, 2014

What Does It Mean To Be Global?

Author: Rana DiOrio
Illustrator: Chris Hill
Grade Level: Preschool- 2nd

Buy It Here!
Resources:
Being Global: iPad App






Summary:
What Does It Mean To Be Global captures the thoughts of children and their curiosity about the world in which they live.  With a grade level appropriate for preschool through second grade, this book can be used with parents and teachers to explain the diverse world we live in and how to appreciate what it stands for.  Factors such as language, music and food are noted and how each person has a special place in the world.  It also depicts how everyone should take the time out to appreciate other religions and offering respect to people who may hold different values. 

Element #2 Respect for Others:
Respect for Others is demonstrated throughout this text in a way that is easily depicted through simple sentences and illustrations.  This element details the respect for diversity through learning from peers.  What Does It Mean To Be Global deconstructs this concept down to the curiosity that children have about various parts of the world.  The ability to recognize languages, music and places near and far, demonstrates the ability and understanding to appreciate the differences.  Taking various religions, traditions, and experiences result in how people interact in a positive way.  This text details the meaning of a global world and how community, traditions, cultures, and values make up the diverse world.  Although the book is simple in words and pictures, it allows an open door for conversation and development.

Activity:
As an activity to follow-up reading this text in a second grade class; students would be introduced specifically to various musical opportunities.  In conjunction to working in the classroom, students would work in their music special to learn more about the history of music and where cultures gained their tunes.   With the assistance of the teacher and parents, students would research culture specific music to themselves and their families.  With the new knowledge, students will gain an understanding as to who, what, when and where this music is performed.  Songs would be played in class as a celebration of learning and opportunity to hear from every student.







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