In this activity, students will identify the similarities and differences between their own experiences with books while living in the United States, with those of children from other countries around the world.
In this example, the United States is compared to Peru; the location of the books and the quantity of the books differ. Children in the United States can access books at a public library in their city or town. Many schools have libraries for children to check out books. In Peru, children get their books in a number of ways, including being delivered in wooden suitcases and plastic bags by donkey cart; the books remain in a reading promoter's home. In the United States, libraries have thousands of books for children to choose from. In Peru, each bag contains twenty books which families keep for a month; the books come in four different reading levels so children can learn how to read.
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Due Date:
Objective:Compare and contrast your own experiences with books while living in the United States, with those of children from other countries around the world.
Student Instructions:
Start by preparing a list of thoughtful questions that encourage students to compare their experiences with those of children in other countries. This helps foster empathy and global awareness in your classroom.
Demonstrate how to identify similarities and differences using a Venn diagram or T-chart. Visual aids make abstract thinking concrete for younger students.
Encourage students to find and cite specific examples from the article or book. Using evidence strengthens critical thinking and reading comprehension skills.
Organize students into small groups to discuss their findings and perspectives. Group work allows for richer discussion and multiple viewpoints.
Invite students to share how learning about other perspectives changes their view of their own experiences. This step deepens understanding and personal connection to the lesson.
The main idea of the 'My Librarian is a Camel' lesson is to help students compare and contrast their own experiences with accessing books in the United States with those of children in other countries, like Peru, highlighting both similarities and differences in library access and book delivery methods.
Children in Peru often receive books delivered in wooden suitcases or plastic bags by donkey cart, with books kept at a reading promoter's home. In contrast, children in the United States usually access books through public libraries or school libraries that offer thousands of choices.
Effective ways include using a comparison chart or storyboard, labeling columns with country names, choosing categories to compare (like location, quantity, delivery), providing examples, and creating illustrations to visualize differences and similarities.
Learning about different perspectives helps students develop empathy, understand global challenges, and appreciate the value of libraries and books, fostering a broader worldview and critical thinking skills.
Categories for comparing could include location of books, quantity of books, how books are delivered, who manages the books, and reading levels available.