Houses: The Dwellings of Ethiopia
What’s inside...
Ready Set Go Books is a project by Open Hearts Big Dreams Fund aimed at increasing literacy rates in Ethiopia by providing books in indigenous Ethiopian languages such as Amharic, Tigrinya, and Afaan Oromo, along with English. These bilingual early readers are designed to help emerging readers build vocabulary and fluency. The books feature colorful illustrations set in Ethiopian contexts and are based on traditional Ethiopian sayings. Profits from book sales are reinvested into creating and distributing more books to Ethiopian children. OHBD has already published over 100 dual language titles and plans to publish more, expanding the language offerings. Their mission is to empower Ethiopian youth by providing access to literacy and educational resources.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-6
Length
38 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you notice about the different houses in Ethiopia compared to ours?
Why do you think people in different areas build different types of houses?
How do you think living in one of these houses would feel?
What can we learn about Ethiopian culture from the types of houses they build?
If you could design your own house, what features from the Ethiopian houses would you include?
Tip: Role play these questions
As you explore the book together, point out specific architectural details in the illustrations to spark curiosity.
Relate the houses in Ethiopia to your child's experiences by discussing your own home and the elements that make it unique.
Encourage imaginative thinking by asking your child to describe a day living in one of the Ethiopian houses.
Discuss the importance of cultural diversity and how homes reflect different lifestyles and environments.
Celebrate creativity by having your child draw their version of an Ethiopian dwelling after reading.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cultural Appreciation
Explanation: Through vivid descriptions and illustrations of various Ethiopian dwellings, children learn about the diverse architectural styles and cultural significance of homes in Ethiopia.
Real-World Application: Children can develop a respect for different cultures and environments, fostering open-mindedness and appreciation for diversity in their daily interactions with others.
Example Lesson: Adaptability to the Environment
Explanation: The book educates readers on how Ethiopian homes are uniquely adapted to their respective climates and landscapes, underscoring the importance of environmental considerations.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think about their own living conditions and promotes creative thinking about how they can adapt their own spaces to be more environmentally friendly.
Example Lesson: Innovation and Resourcefulness
Explanation: Jane Kurtz highlights the ingenious methods used by Ethiopians to construct their homes using locally available resources.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of using available resources wisely and can apply this understanding to school projects or in solving everyday problems creatively.
Example Lesson: History and Tradition
Explanation: The book dives into the historical backgrounds of the different types of dwellings, providing children with a historical perspective on how living spaces have evolved.
Real-World Application: This lesson can instill a deeper respect for historical traditions and advancements in children, helping them value their own cultural heritage and that of others.
Example Lesson: Community and Cooperation
Explanation: ‘Houses: The Dwellings of Ethiopia’ also touches upon how communities come together to build homes, displaying themes of teamwork and cooperation.
Real-World Application: This highlights the importance of teamwork in achieving common goals, which children can emulate in group activities at school or within their community.