on Goodreads (7)
What’s inside...
Iraq gets a lot of bad publicity. People hear regularly about the country's troubles without learning about its achievements. For example, you've maybe never heard that Iraqis invented the wheel, sailboat, and plow! This title takes young readers past news headlines to tell the full story of Iraq.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-13
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What are some unique aspects of Iraqi culture that you learned from this book?
How do the geographical features of Iraq influence the daily lives of the people living there?
What similarities and differences did you notice between your own life and the lives of Iraqi children described in the book?
What role does history play in shaping the culture and identity of Iraq?
How can we show respect and appreciation for cultures that are different from our own?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they would feel living in Iraq and experiencing the culture firsthand.
Utilize a globe or a map to locate Iraq and explore its neighboring countries to provide a geographical context.
Discuss the significance of historical events mentioned in the book and their impact on Iraq’s development.
Highlight the importance of cultural diversity and encourage open-minded discussions about different traditions and customs.
After reading, engage in an activity related to the book, such as creating a traditional Iraqi dish together or crafting an art project inspired by Iraqi art styles.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Cultural Diversity
Explanation: The book 'Iraq' by Emily Rose Oachs provides a detailed exploration of the Iraqi culture, geography, and history, making it easier for children to understand and appreciate the diversity of world cultures.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by showing respect and curiosity towards people from different cultural backgrounds they encounter in school or their community.
Example Lesson: Importance of History
Explanation: Through the historical context of Iraq, the book underscores the significance of history in shaping societies and the present-day world, providing children a comprehensive view on the impacts of historical events.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children value their history lessons in school and encourages them to explore the historical background of their own community and family.
Example Lesson: Geographical Awareness
Explanation: By illustrating the diverse landscapes and cities in Iraq, the book enhances children’s geographical knowledge and helps them understand the relationship between environment and lifestyle.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to examine and discuss the geographical features of their own region, fostering a connection with their immediate environment and an interest in global geography.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Global Citizenship
Explanation: Emily Rose Oachs' depiction of the everyday life of Iraqi citizens fosters empathy and a sense of global responsibility among young readers.
Real-World Application: This lesson cultivates empathy in children, enabling them to empathize with peers from different backgrounds and to consider the effects of their actions on a global scale.