Italy (We're From)
#2 in Young explorer. Book band level gold Series
What’s inside...
Italy is a country located in Southern Europe and is characterized by its peninsula that extends into the Mediterranean Sea. The landscape is predominantly rugged and mountainous, but there are also plains and low-lying areas near the coast. Italy experiences cold winters and very hot summers, with the southern region being particularly hot and dry. The country is also prone to natural disasters such as landslides, earthquakes, and volcanic activity. The capital city of Italy is Rome.
Discussion points
What did you learn about life in Italy from this book?
Can you describe some ways children in Italy might do things differently than you do?
What Italian words did we learn from this book, and what do they mean?
If you could visit any place in Italy mentioned in the book, where would you go and why?
How do you think knowing about different cultures can help us understand people better?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by showing genuine curiosity about your child's thoughts on the book. Use the illustrations as a visual aid to dive deeper into discussions about Italian culture and lifestyle. Relate the experiences of Italian children to your child’s daily life to create a personal connection. Additionally, consider extending the learning by introducing Italian music or cuisine as a way to bring the culture to life. Encourage empathy by discussing how understanding diverse cultures is vital in our global society.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cultural Appreciation
Explanation: The book 'We're From Italy' introduces children to various aspects of Italian culture including food, language, and traditional festivals. Through its rich illustrations and engaging text, it educates young readers about the diversity within Italy.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by showing interest and respect towards different cultures they encounter, whether in school, through books, or while meeting new people. This fosters a sense of global citizenship and appreciation for diversity.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family
Explanation: The story emphasizes the Italian value of 'la famiglia' showing characters participating in family gatherings and supporting each other in everyday life.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to value and nurture their own family bonds. They can participate more actively in family activities and understand the importance of familial support.
Example Lesson: Learning New Languages
Explanation: As the characters interact using simple Italian phrases, the book provides an introductory platform for children to learn a new language, enhancing their linguistic skills.
Real-World Application: Children can be motivated to learn new words or even start learning a new language which aids in cognitive development and opens doors to understanding new cultures.
Example Lesson: Historical Knowledge
Explanation: The book covers important landmarks and historical sites throughout Italy, providing children with historical knowledge interconnected with cultural context.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by showing interest in history and geography subjects at school, or exploring more about other countries’ historical sites either through reading or virtual tours.