P Is for Pakistan (World Alphabets)
World Alphabets Series
on Goodreads (16)
What’s inside...
In this photographic alphabet, the author introduces young readers to some of the customs, religions, and cultures—both ancient and modern—that make up the fast-developing country of Pakistan. The book focuses on both city and country life, celebrating all aspects of Pakistan, from dhobi to jasmine, from hijab to water buffalo.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What is something new you learned about Pakistan from this book?
Which letter and corresponding picture did you find most interesting and why?
How do the landscapes and scenes in the book differ from where we live?
Can you think of a word that starts with the same letter but represents something from our culture?
What is one thing about the Pakistani culture shown in the book that you'd like to experience?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the book, explore the cover and ask your child what they expect to learn about Pakistan.
Encourage your child to say the alphabet along with the book, helping them connect the letters with the pictures and words.
After reading a page, pause to discuss the illustration and its significance, enhancing comprehension and interest.
Compare and contrast aspects of Pakistani culture with your own, to help your child appreciate and understand cultural diversity.
At the end of the book, ask your child to draw or write about their favorite part, reinforcing their learning and making the experience interactive.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cultural awareness
Explanation: Through vibrant illustrations and snippets of cultural references, 'P Is for Pakistan' educates children about the unique aspects of Pakistani culture, helping them recognize and appreciate diversity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect the various cultures they encounter in school and in their community, fostering a more inclusive world view.
Example Lesson: Alphabet recognition
Explanation: The book explores the English alphabet by associating each letter with specific cultural or geographical aspects of Pakistan, aiding in letter recognition and phonetics in a contextual manner.
Real-World Application: This method of learning enhances children's ability to connect letters with words, which is fundamental in their reading and writing skills development.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and learning
Explanation: 'P Is for Pakistan' ignites curiosity about the world by presenting information about a country that children might not be familiar with, sparking interest in geography and international cultures.
Real-World Application: This curiosity can lead children to explore and learn about other countries, broadening their knowledge base and understanding of the world.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for heritage
Explanation: For children of Pakistani descent, the book serves as a mirror to see their heritage represented, fostering a sense of pride and connection to their roots.
Real-World Application: Children can use this appreciation to share stories about their heritage with peers, promoting diversity and understanding in their interactions.