As Montessori parents, you want your child to be a part of the global community, and understand the world around them. Maria Montessori understood the importance of raising global citizens. She spent her life campaigning for peace and teaching the importance of raising children that respect all cultures. Reading can be a great way to open up the discussion about the world around us- the beautiful diversity that surrounds us, and the ways we are all the same. Here are 5 books for kindergarteners, that celebrate world cultures, diversity of humankind, and the unique individual.
Children of the World
From Barefoot Books, the makers of beautifully illustrated children’s books, Children of the World, by Tessa Strickland and Kate DePalma, explores what makes each culture unique, while also acknowledging how much we all have in common. This book builds empathy and understanding about others and encourages the curiosity of world traditions and other countries. 15 pages of educational endnotes walk readers through the illustrations and provide ideas for further discussion with your kindergartner on the importance of understanding other cultures.
Wonderful Houses Around the World
Help your child learn about other cultures through the homes they build. In Wonderful Houses Around the World, by Yoshio Komatsu, the author explains the many types of dwellings that humans live in, from Mongolia, China, Indonesia, India, and more. This book contains a mixture of photographs and illustrations that bring homes to life. The descriptions include information about family dynamics within each home, how space is used, and environmental conditions that affect the design.
Lin Yi’s Lantern: A Moon Festival Tale
In this beautifully illustrated tale about the Chinese Moon Festival, children will learn about responsibility with money, while also exploring the traditions of the Chinese culture. Lin Yi’s Lantern, by Brenda Williams and Benjamin Lacombe, follows the story of a young boy sent to market to purchase the items his family needs. But will he have enough left over for what he really wants- a red rabbit lantern for the Moon Festival? Another from Barefoot Books, the last few pages give additional information on the Chinese culture, the Legend of the Moon Fairy, and how to make your own paper lantern.
The Water Princess
Based on a true story, The Water Princess, by Susan Verde and Georgie Badiel, is the story of a young girl in a small African Village. She must rise every morning to make the long journey to the well for clean drinking water. Instead of a crown, this princess holds the water bucket proudly on her head. A book that helps children understand the struggles people around the world face for everyday necessities. It shows the hope and endurance that children from other cultures hold in their heart, and starts the conversation about how we can help.
It’s Back to School We Go!: First Day Stories From Around the World
A collection of stories from children around the world, It’s Back to School We Go!, by Ellen Jackson, helps children understand that although we live in different parts of the world, we all have the same fears, worries, and excitement when it comes time to go to school. Kindergarteners are fresh from the experience of the first day of school, this story is one they can relate to while learning about different cultures. It captures the diversity of school experiences while showing how much we all have in common.
We hope your child enjoys these books. They’ll benefit from reading with an adult, while also learning about all the wonderful diversity the world has to offer.