Mother Teresa: Sister to the Poor (Women of Our Time)
Women Of Our Time Series
on Goodreads (29)
What’s inside...
A biography emphasizing the early years of the nun who is world renowned for her work with the poor, sick, and uneducated in India and in other parts of the world.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-9
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Mother Teresa
Discussion points
What qualities do you think made Mother Teresa a remarkable woman?
How do you think helping others made Mother Teresa feel?
Why is it important to help people who are less fortunate?
Can you think of ways we can help others in our community, similar to Mother Teresa?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences of helping others to Mother Teresa’s acts of kindness. Discuss the feelings associated with helping and being helped. Highlight the impact one person can have on many lives, underscoring the value of compassion and empathy. Use examples from the book to illustrate how small acts of kindness can make a big difference.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: The book details Mother Teresa's unwavering commitment to care for the sick and poor in Calcutta, showcasing her profound empathy and compassion.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to understand the feelings of their peers and offer support, fostering a caring community mindset from a young age.
Example Lesson: Service to Others
Explanation: As the story unfolds, it illustrates Mother Teresa's dedication to helping those in need, emphasizing the importance and impact of selfless service.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to participate in community service or help out at home, understanding the significance of contributing to the well-being of others.
Example Lesson: Persistence
Explanation: The narrative highlights Mother Teresa’s perseverance in overcoming challenges to provide aid, portraying the power of determination.
Real-World Application: Children learn to keep trying in the face of difficulties, whether it's a complex school project or standing up for what is right.
Example Lesson: Moral Courage
Explanation: Mother Teresa’s choices often required great courage, as the book demonstrates through her decisions under tough circumstances.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to be brave and make ethical decisions, even when it might be easier to look the other way.
Example Lesson: Humility
Explanation: Despite her global recognition, Mother Teresa remained humble, which is carefully captured in the book, showing that true greatness often lies in simplicity.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to value modesty and prioritize helping others over seeking personal glory.