My Place
on Goodreads (948)
What’s inside...
Depicts life in Australia at different times in its development by viewing one place in different years while moving backwards from 1988 to 1788. A unique, intimate history of Australia, featuring colorful illustrations and maps, starts in 1988 and works its way back two hundred years to 1788, telling the history of one particular place through the generations of children who have lived there.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-10
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think each character felt about their home and why?
What changes did you notice in the neighborhood through the years in the story?
Why is it important to know about the history of the place we live in?
If you could meet any character from the book, who would it be and what would you ask them?
How can we make our community a better place for everyone like some characters tried in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine their ideal community or neighborhood, drawing aspects from the book and their own ideas.
Discuss the significance of understanding history and its impact on present and future, as portrayed in the book.
Connect themes from the book to real-life examples in your child's world to deepen their understanding and empathy.
Ask your child to narrate the story from the perspective of their favorite character to enhance their engagement and comprehension.
Identify and visit local historical sites to provide a tangible connection to the book’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding history and heritage
Explanation: In 'My Place', the narrative unfolds with each child describing their home and life, taking the reader back in time to explore the history of one place in Australia. This progression effectively introduces children to the concept of historical change and continuity.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore their own family's history and heritage, fostering a sense of identity and continuity in their personal lives.
Example Lesson: Respect for diversity
Explanation: The diverse characters in 'My Place' reflect the multicultural fabric of society, teaching children about the cultural diversity of their own communities and demonstrating the importance of inclusion and respect for all cultures.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in a child’s everyday interactions with peers from different backgrounds, promoting respectful and inclusive behavior.
Example Lesson: Environmental awareness
Explanation: As the book visits different time periods, it subtly highlights environmental changes and the impact of human activities on a specific location, teaching children about the environmental consequences of our actions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to observe their surroundings, understanding the environmental changes around them and thinking about ways they can help protect their own community's environment.
Example Lesson: Connecting generations
Explanation: The book’s multi-generational perspectives offer views from children of different eras, helping young readers appreciate the connections between different generations and the wisdom that can be shared.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to engage more deeply with people of different ages, such as their grandparents, and learn from their experiences and stories.
Example Lesson: Sense of belonging
Explanation: Through the exploration of one geographic location through different eyes, 'My Place' emphasizes the importance of connection to place and community, fostering a strong sense of belonging.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to participate in community activities and to value their own role within their neighborhoods, strengthening community bonds and their personal sense of inclusion.