E Is for Ethiopia (World Alphabets)
What’s inside...
Ethiopia, one of the oldest civilizations in the world, is located in East Africa surrounded by mountains and rivers including the Blue Nile in Lake Tana. The country's rich history is deeply intertwined with both Christian and Muslim religions and is celebrated with numerous colorful festivals. Ethiopian people embrace diverse traditions, languages, and music, enjoying dancing, singing, and spicy food. Ethiopia is also the birthplace of coffee, celebrated through unique coffee ceremonies. 'E is for Ethiopia' is part of a photographic World Alphabet series that showcases the country through the lens of young photographers supported by the UK aid agency CAFOD.
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you learn about Ethiopia from the pictures and words that start with each letter?
How are the children in Ethiopia similar to or different from you in terms of daily activities and interests?
What are some unique traditions or foods mentioned in the book that you found interesting?
Can you think of any items or symbols that represent our culture like the ones shown for Ethiopia?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to explore the book’s illustrations and relate them to the alphabet. Ask them to point out their favorite letter and discuss the corresponding image from Ethiopia. Enhance the reading experience by comparing aspects from your own culture with the Ethiopian culture presented in the book. Lastly, consider exploring more about Ethiopian music or cuisine together to deepen the connection with the book's themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness
Explanation: Through vibrant photographs and engaging text, 'E Is for Ethiopia' showcases diverse aspects of Ethiopian life, traditions, and landscapes.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and respect different cultures, fostering global awareness and empathy from a young age.
Example Lesson: Alphabet Knowledge
Explanation: Each letter of the alphabet is associated with an aspect of Ethiopian culture, helping children connect the alphabet to real-world elements.
Real-World Application: This method reinforces letter recognition and phonetic sounds, aiding in literacy and language development.
Example Lesson: Family and Community Values
Explanation: The book often depicts scenes of family interactions and community gatherings, emphasizing their importance in Ethiopian culture.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to value and participate in family and community events, strengthening social ties and community involvement.
Example Lesson: Geographical Education
Explanation: The text includes locations and landscapes unique to Ethiopia, providing geographical knowledge intertwined with cultural context.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand and locate different geographical settings, enhancing their knowledge of world geography and environmental diversity.
Example Lesson: Pride in One's Heritage
Explanation: ‘E Is for Ethiopia’ celebrates Ethiopian culture and heritage, instilling a sense of pride and identity.
Real-World Application: Children of Ethiopian descent, or any background, can learn the importance of embracing and celebrating their own cultures and histories.