Two Worlds, One Child's Heart - A true and exciting story about two children, two countries and one friendship: Children book - Accepting others (Self-Reliance Books for Kids 3)
#3 of 7 in Self-Reliance Books For Kids Series
What’s inside...
Two Worlds, One Child's Heart is a true story about the friendship between two children from different cultures, China and Israel. Zhao Yang from China and Shahar from Israel meet on a street in China, both enjoying pink ice cream. Despite their differences, they discover similarities in their games and emotions. The book, published in Hebrew and Chinese, explores the gradual intertwining of their friendship and introduces elements of Chinese culture through beautiful illustrations. It has been praised for promoting co-existence and tolerance, and by the end, readers can learn basic Chinese greetings and numbers.
Discussion points
How do you think the children in the book felt when they first met each other?
What are some ways the two children learned to accept and understand each other's differences?
Can you think of a time when you met someone new and different from you? How did you feel?
Why do you think friendships are important, even with people who might seem very different from us?
What would you do to make a new friend who comes from a different country or background?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own experiences meeting people from different backgrounds to create a personal connection. Emphasize the importance of empathy and understanding. Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts as they relate to the story. Discuss the value of diversity and how it enriches our lives. Lastly, use the book's illustrations to point out cultural or visual differences, making the learning more interactive and tangible.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: The story showcases two children from different countries forming a deep friendship, highlighting cultural diversity and acceptance.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect peers from various backgrounds, promoting inclusivity in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Value of Friendship
Explanation: Despite geographical distances, the narrative emphasizes the strong bond and support between the two main characters, teaching the importance of true friendship.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to maintain and cherish friendships, understanding that true connections can withstand obstacles, including physical separation.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The characters learn about each other's lives, fostering empathy and a deeper understanding of differing life experiences.
Real-World Application: Kids are inspired to listen and learn about others' feelings and perspectives, helping them grow into compassionate individuals.
Example Lesson: Self-Reliance and Initiative
Explanation: The children in the story take initiatives to connect and communicate despite their differences, demonstrating self-reliance and proactive behavior.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of taking the initiative in forming and nurturing relationships and solving problems independently.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Challenges
Explanation: The book illustrates how the children overcome challenges to keep their friendship alive, showcasing resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn to persist and find creative solutions during difficult times, an essential skill for personal and academic success.