He's Got the Whole World in His Hand
What’s inside...
A traditional American spiritual, 'Oh, When the Saints Go Marching In', is presented in board book form with a push button for musical fun. First published in 1927, the song has been recorded by numerous musicians and featured in various movies. The book includes bright illustrations of children from different races around the world and a sound chip that plays the melody, making it a popular choice for young children aged 2-5 in households and classrooms nationwide.
Age
3-7
Length
16 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What does the phrase 'He's got the whole world in his hands' mean to you?
How do you think taking care of the world helps everyone?
Can you think of ways we can help take care of our world?
What did you feel when you saw the pictures of the different people and places in the book?
How do you think the story shows that everyone is connected?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin the discussion by sharing your own thoughts on the meaning of having the whole world in our hands, making it personal and relatable.
Encourage your child to think about their role in the world, and how their actions can affect others by using examples from the book.
Discuss the illustrations and ask your child to describe what they see and how it makes them feel, promoting empathy and a deeper understanding of the book’s themes.
Relate the story's message to your child’s daily experiences, like taking care of their toys or helping at home, to emphasize the importance of responsibility.
Praise your child’s responses and thoughts throughout the conversation to boost their confidence and willingness to share.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Unity and Inclusivity
Explanation: The book illustrates that everyone, regardless of their background, is part of the larger world and has a role to play, promoting a sense of unity and inclusivity.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate diversity and understand the importance of including everyone in community activities.
Example Lesson: Stewardship of the Environment
Explanation: The narrative emphasizes the importance of taking care of the world around us by showcasing different parts of the environment that are in our hands.
Real-World Application: It encourages children to engage in environmentally friendly practices such as recycling and conserving water.
Example Lesson: Impact of Actions
Explanation: The book conveys that everyone holds the power to affect the world, highlighting that our actions have consequences.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to consider the outcomes of their actions on others and the environment.
Example Lesson: Empowerment and Responsibility
Explanation: Through the repeated phrase 'He's got the whole world in his hands,' the book empowers children to see themselves as important and capable of positive impact.
Real-World Application: Kids are motivated to take responsibility in their small actions at home or school that contribute to a better community.
Example Lesson: Universal Connection
Explanation: The book features various elements of the world, suggesting that everything is interconnected and we all share the same planet.
Real-World Application: Children learn to see how their behaviors can affect people not only in their immediate surroundings but also around the world.