Street Rhymes Around the World
on Goodreads (26)
What’s inside...
A collection of jump-rope and other play rhymes from seventeen countries, including Brazil, India, Israel, Greece, Armenia, and the United States, in both English and the original language. Boyds Mills Press publishes a wide range of high-quality fiction and nonfiction picture books, chapter books, novels, and nonfiction.
Age
5-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was your favorite rhyme from the book and why?
How do you think children in other countries might feel when they sing these rhymes?
Can you think of a rhyme from our culture to share with someone from another country? What would it be and why?
What differences and similarities did you notice between the rhymes from different places?
If you could create your own rhyme to represent where we live, what would it sound like?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to compare their daily experiences with those depicted in the rhymes to deepen their understanding and empathy for other cultures.
Prompt your child to think creatively by asking them to invent their own rhyme and discuss what aspects of their life or culture they would include in it.
Enhance listening skills by reciting rhymes together, then discussing the themes and emotions conveyed in the rhymes.
Use the book as an opportunity to explore geography, pointing out the countries mentioned and discussing cultural aspects of each place.
Foster an appreciation of diversity by discussing how rhymes can be different yet similar, reflecting the universal nature of play and language among children around the world.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cultural Appreciation
Explanation: Through a vibrant collection of rhymes from various countries, 'Street Rhymes Around the World' exposes children to different cultures and traditions.
Real-World Application: Children learn to respect and appreciate the diversity in their classrooms and communities, fostering a welcoming environment for all.
Example Lesson: Language Skills
Explanation: The rhythmic and rhyming nature of the verses in the book enhances phonetic awareness and helps in vocabulary building.
Real-World Application: As children recite and memorize these rhymes, they improve their language skills, which aids in effective communication and academic success.
Example Lesson: Historical Knowledge
Explanation: Each rhyme is accompanied by a short historical context or origin, providing children with insights into the history of various places around the world.
Real-World Application: This knowledge can spark curiosity about history and geography, encouraging children to explore more about different eras and regions in their further studies or in conversations.
Example Lesson: Emotional Connection
Explanation: The book uses emotionally engaging storytelling techniques that allow children to connect with characters from different backgrounds.
Real-World Application: This helps children develop empathy and emotional intelligence, which are crucial for interpersonal relationships and understanding diverse perspectives.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: The vivid illustrations and imaginative scenarios depicted in the rhymes stimulate creative thinking and visualization skills.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these skills in creative writing, art projects, and problem-solving tasks, enhancing their overall creative output.