Talking Walls: Discover Your World
What’s inside...
In this book, walls really do talk, sharing stories of the people who built them and the lives that have unfolded around them. This new edition combines the beloved children's books 'Talking Walls' and 'Talking Walls: The Stories Continue,' which have sold over 170,000 copies. Thoroughly revised to enhance accessibility for young readers and English Language Learners, this edition is perfect for reading aloud. Included are a world map to locate the walls discussed, and additional details about the walls, places, and people. The books have received numerous accolades, including being named a Top 25 Non-Fiction Children's Book by the Boston Globe and winning a Mom's Choice Gold Award.
Age
7-10
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you learn about how different cultures use walls to communicate?
Can you think of a wall or a similar space in our community that tells a story?
How do the stories of the walls make you feel about the people who created them?
If you could create a wall that tells a story, what story would you want to tell and why?
How do you think walls can help people understand each other better?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the walls in their own life and what stories they might tell.
Discuss the different emotions and messages conveyed through the walls in the book, and relate them to feelings or messages your child might want to share.
Ask your child to draw or describe a wall that represents their own story or a story from your community.
Explore together local murals or monuments and discuss what stories these walls could be telling to those who view them.
While reading, point out the various cultural contexts of the walls and discuss how different environments and histories shape the way people communicate.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness
Explanation: The book explores walls from around the world, each with its own unique story, teaching children about diverse cultures and histories.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect differences in traditions and backgrounds, fostering a more inclusive attitude towards people from different cultures.
Example Lesson: Historical Knowledge
Explanation: Talking Walls introduces children to historical events related to each wall, such as the Berlin Wall and the Great Wall of China.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be curious about history and to understand the importance of historical events in shaping our world.
Example Lesson: Value of Storytelling
Explanation: The book shows how every wall tells a story and emphasizes the significance of storytelling in preserving culture and history.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value and engage in storytelling, which can enhance their communication skills and encourage a lifelong love of reading.
Example Lesson: Art Appreciation
Explanation: Through illustrations and descriptions, children see how walls can also be canvases for artistic expression.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to appreciate art and express themselves creatively through drawing, painting, or writing.
Example Lesson: Environmental Awareness
Explanation: Some stories include walls integrated with nature, highlighting the relationship between human-made structures and the environment.
Real-World Application: Children learn about the importance of environmental conservation and how human activities can coexist with nature responsibly.