Ethiopia
Festivals of the world Series
on Goodreads (5)
What’s inside...
Describes how the culture of Ethiopia is reflected in its many festivals, including Ganna, Maskal, and the Victory of Adwa Day.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-10
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you find most interesting about the culture and traditions of Ethiopia described in the book?
How do you think the daily life of a child in Ethiopia is similar or different from yours?
What did you learn about the landscape and animals of Ethiopia?
How did the story make you feel about the people and their way of life in Ethiopia?
If you could visit Ethiopia, what would you most like to see or do?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own life by asking them to compare their daily activities with those of the children in Ethiopia.
Use a globe or map to locate Ethiopia and discuss its geographical features mentioned in the book.
After reading, explore more about Ethiopian music or cuisine together to deepen the cultural experience.
Discuss the values such as community and tradition highlighted in the book, and ask your child how those values appear in their own life.
Prompt your child to express their thoughts and feelings about what they've read and encourage them to ask questions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cultural Appreciation
Explanation: The book 'Ethiopia' by Elizabeth Berg details the rich history and vibrant culture of Ethiopia, providing young readers with a broad perspective on a different culture.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect diverse cultures, promoting inclusivity and understanding in their daily interactions with people from different backgrounds.
Example Lesson: Historical Knowledge
Explanation: Through the exploration of Ethiopia's past, the story educates its readers about significant historical events and figures, enhancing their understanding of world history.
Real-World Application: This knowledge helps children understand the context of current global interactions and the importance of history in shaping societies, fostering a deeper understanding and curiosity about the world.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family
Explanation: Elizabeth Berg's narrative often emphasizes the central role of family within Ethiopian culture, illustrating how family bonds are cherished.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to value and strengthen their own family bonds, understanding the support and love family can offer regardless of cultural background.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Perseverance
Explanation: The book portrays the Ethiopian people's resilience through various challenges, inspiring readers with their unwavering strength.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to develop resilience in the face of their own challenges, whether in school, sports, or personal life, understanding that perseverance can lead to overcoming obstacles.
Example Lesson: The Beauty of Tradition
Explanation: ‘Ethiopia’ dives into numerous Ethiopian traditions, from food to festivals, showing the beauty and importance of cultural heritage.
Real-World Application: Fostering appreciation for their own traditions and those of others, children can learn to celebrate and preserve cultural heritage in their community and beyond.