Raising Globally Aware Kids
Our oldest child started Kindergarten this year. He was fortunate to get assigned to an International Baccalaureate® (IB) World School that teaches global citizenship. IB world schools are dedicated to creating balanced, lifelong learners through educational excellence, a global perspective, reflection, and action. The school focuses on developing ten IB Learner Profile Traits in order to become compassionate, global citizens. The character traits they encourage: thinkers, inquirers, knowledgeable, open-minded, communicators, principled, balanced, risk-takers, reflective and caring.
These are characteristics that we value in our family and something that I strive to teach at home, so I am happy that the lessons are also being provided at his school. A recent discussion with my son about being a global citizen made me think about how many children are not as aware of the larger world around them.
What is Global Citizenship
Global citizenship means that as citizens of the world, we have responsibilities to each other and to the Earth itself. Whether through sharing knowledge, volunteerism, advocacy or philanthropy, everyone, including young people, can make a difference.
I like that Global Citizenship is becoming a more discussed topic; so discussed that my 5 year old asked me about it. My two-year-old can already understand differences which signal me that it is time to help her understand how to respect those differences. Books are popular in our house and a really good support system for teaching your kids things in an interesting way. So I have created a list of children’s books that help encourage young minds to learn how the world is deeply connected, to be culturally aware, and to develop an understanding of their need to give back and stand up for injustice.
The Red Bicycle by Jude Isabella
Children will learn how different the world is for those who rely on bicycles as a mode of transportation, and how one ordinary bicycle and a child’s desire to make a difference can change lives across the world. This book provides lessons on caring, compassion, and empathy to include the wider world
This Child, Every Child by David J Smith
The book uses statistics and stories to draw kids into the world beyond their own borders and provide a window into the lives of their fellow children.
What does it mean to be global? by Rana DiOrio
This book shows kids from all over living respectfully and peacefully with one another, they celebrate diversity, see how their actions affect another person’s experience, and come to understand that being global means being a citizen of the world.
A is for activist by Innosanto Nagara
An exciting board book for children, while the issues it brings up resonate with their parents’ values of community, equality, and justice.
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In a village by the sea by Muon Van
This book teaches about diverse cultures and lifestyles with beautiful pictures and words, moving from the wide world to the snugness of home and back out again.
Children around the world by Donata Montanari
This picture book explores the themes of commonality and diversity by introducing young readers to 12 children from around the world. Speaking in the first person, the children briefly describe such things as the language, food, clothing, schooling and daily life of their region.
If you plant a seed by Kadir Nelson
This book shares the power of even the smallest acts and the rewards of compassion and generosity.
People by Peter Spier
This book is a great introduction to a global view with a tour around the world, young readers can pore over the many details that make each country and culture unique and special.
I would love to hear how you teach your kids to be a global citizen is! Please leave us a comment with your thoughts.
The pink refrigerator by Tim Egan
A mysterious pink refrigerator is found in a junk yard and each day there is note on the fridge with a new suggestion. This is a great story about the willingness to be open to trying new things.
Everywhere babies by Susan Meyers
Every day, everywhere, babies are born and though they sleep, eat, play and live differently but are all loved equally. Understanding of differences is a big part of global citizenship.
Free Activity to download
Here is a free digital download to use as a Global Citizenship teaching activity with your kids. I found it over at Teachers Pay Teachers; such a great resource!
I would love to hear how you teach your kids to be a global citizen is! Please leave us a comment with your thoughts.