What’s inside...
Mexico is known as the cactus capital, with giant cardon cactuses, the tallest in the world, growing in the Sonoran Desert and reaching heights of up to 63 feet. Mexicans also consume the stems of prickly pear cactuses as vegetables. This country profile is designed to help children explore Mexico and learn about its unique features.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-13
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you learn about Mexican culture and how does it differ from ours?
Can you name some Mexican traditions mentioned in the book? Which one would you love to experience?
How did the illustrations help you understand the story better?
What are some of the main differences and similarities between your daily life and the children’s lives in Mexico?
How do you think knowing about other cultures can help us?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the characters and their environment by asking them to imagine living in Mexico.
Discuss the vibrant illustrations with your child, pointing out details that enhance the storytelling and cultural understanding.
Link discussions to personal experiences or upcoming events that relate to Mexican culture, such as a Mexican food night or festival.
Create a supportive environment where your child feels comfortable expressing their thoughts and opinions about new information.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness
Explanation: The book 'Mexico' takes children on a journey through the diverse landscapes and traditions of Mexico, showing the unique customs and cultural heritage.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and respect different cultures, which nurtures empathy and global awareness, helping them interact harmoniously in diverse settings.
Example Lesson: Geographical Knowledge
Explanation: Through vivid illustrations and descriptions, 'Mexico' introduces children to various Mexican states, their climates, and geographical features.
Real-World Application: This understanding helps children to be more aware of the world around them, fostering a sense of curiosity and exploration.
Example Lesson: Historical Insights
Explanation: The book provides insights into the historical events and figures of Mexico, enriching children's knowledge about the country's past.
Real-World Application: With this historical knowledge, children can better understand current events and developments in and related to Mexico, enhancing their ability to connect past and present.
Example Lesson: Language Skills
Explanation: By introducing basic Spanish vocabulary related to Mexican culture, the book promotes linguistic skills.
Real-World Application: Children can use these new words in everyday conversations, increasing their linguistic abilities and confidence in communicating with Spanish speakers.