On My Block: Stories and Paintings by Fifteen Artists
What’s inside...
In this homage to neighborhoods, 15 artists portray the places most special to them, sharing unique stories and images from various locations such as south Brooklyn, Taos Pueblo, San Francisco’s Japantown, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The collection encourages children to explore and observe their own neighborhoods, prompting them to consider what makes their world special.
Age
6-9
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you notice about the different ways each artist depicted their neighborhood? How does it compare to ours?
Which story or painting did you like the most, and why?
What emotions do you feel when you look at the different paintings? Do any of them remind you of feelings you've had?
How do you think the artists chose what to show about their neighborhoods? What would you choose to show about ours?
Do you think it's important to share stories and art about where we live? Why or why not?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their own thoughts and feelings about the art and stories without interrupting. Validate their responses, and relate them to their own experiences or your shared experiences as a family. Offer to create art together that represents your own neighborhood, using the book as inspiration. This can deepen their connection to the book’s themes and enhance their appreciation for their own environment.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Community and Unity
Explanation: Through diverse stories and paintings created by various artists, this book demonstrates the vibrancy and uniqueness of different neighborhoods. Each narrative brings forth a sense of community, showing how individuals come together to create a lively, supportive environment.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and contribute to their own communities, understanding the importance of camaraderie and cooperation among neighbors.
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness
Explanation: Each artist provides a glimpse into their cultural background, sharing stories that are deeply rooted in their personal experiences and heritage. The book serves as a colorful mosaic of cultures, teaching kids about the richness of cultural diversity.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be curious about and respectful towards different cultures they encounter, promoting inclusivity and empathy in their interactions with others.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Expression
Explanation: The book showcases a wide array of artistic styles, each telling a story through its unique visual language. This highlights the importance of creativity and personal expression.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to express themselves through their own artistic or creative endeavors, understanding that there is no single 'correct' way to be creative.
Example Lesson: Importance of Storytelling
Explanation: By presenting stories from fifteen different artists, the book illustrates how storytelling can be a powerful tool to convey messages, emotions, and values.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to share their own experiences and thoughts through storytelling, helping them develop their communication skills and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for Art
Explanation: The vivid paintings and unique illustrations in the book educate children about the visual arts and encourage them to notice details and meanings behind artworks.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to visit art galleries, participate in art classes, and explore various forms of art in their everyday lives, fostering a lifelong appreciation for artistic endeavors.