Cities
Religion in focus Series
on Goodreads (24)
What’s inside...
Travel the globe and find a fresh perspective with 'In Focus Cities'. This super-sized book delves into the cultural, social and historical identities of ten world-famous cities. Lift the giant flaps on every spread to find out more about the iconic cities on the map.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-12
Length
26 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was your favorite city in the book and why did it stand out to you?
How are the cities in the book similar to or different from our city?
What new things did you learn about cities from this book?
If you could design your own city, what would it look like and what special features would it have?
How do you think living in a big city might be different from living in a small town?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts on each city's unique features by asking them to describe what they liked best.
Create a simple map together, marking places in the book and drawing connections to places you have visited or talked about.
Discuss the importance of different jobs people might have in big cities and how they contribute to making the city function.
Talk about cultural elements that might be different in each city, such as food, festivals, or style of buildings, enhancing the learning experience.
Share stories or experiences from any cities you have visited to help contextualize the content in the book and make it more relatable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cultural awareness and appreciation
Explanation: In 'Cities', children are introduced to various cities around the world, exposing them to diverse cultures and lifestyles.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and respect differences among people, fostering inclusivity and curiosity about the world beyond their immediate environment.
Example Lesson: Geographical knowledge
Explanation: This book offers a glimpse into the geographical layout and significant landmarks of different cities, enhancing children's understanding of world geography.
Real-World Application: This knowledge can help children understand the maps, globes and foster an interest in travel and exploration.
Example Lesson: History and heritage
Explanation: Libby Walden explains historical contexts and the heritage of each city featured, giving children a sense of time and history.
Real-World Application: This insight helps children connect with the past, understand the present cities, and the importance of preserving history.
Example Lesson: Economic understanding
Explanation: The book touches on the various economies that drive these cities, from tourism to technology.
Real-World Application: Children can begin to understand different economic factors and how they influence daily life and development in various regions.
Example Lesson: Environmental consciousness
Explanation: Each city's interaction with the environment is discussed, highlighting issues like pollution and sustainability efforts.
Real-World Application: Kids can become more environmentally aware and might be encouraged to think about how they can contribute to making their own cities more sustainable.