Theme 9: Global Connections
Sanna, Francesca. The Journey. Flying Eye Books, 2016.
Summary:
The Journey is about a family who is escaping their home country due to war. This book takes you through the family's journey as refugees and explores the hardships this particular family has to go through. Family bonds are overly prevalent in The Journey and shows the power of family through words and illustrations.
Rationale:
The Journey gives the opportunity for educators to teach students how to have a global perspective. Students start to realize how global connections affect the daily lives of individuals and those around them. Students are grasping the global issues surrounding immigrants and refugees. Also, they gain understanding and empathy for others in their communities and around the globe.
Discussion Questions
1. Who was the girl and her family feeling throughout the journey? How would you feel?
2. Why did this family have to leave their country? Are there other reasons people have to leave their country of origin?
3. How did this family travel out of their country?
4. Have you experienced moving? Leaving behind a person or people you wouldn't see for a long time or possibly never?
5. Do you think everyone should have a home they feel safe and welcomed in?
6. How would you help a classmate feel at home here if they just moved from a different school, state, or country?
Extension Activity
The extension activity for this book would be for students to research refugees. The question they are trying to answer is, "What is a refugee?" and "Why do refugees leave their origin countries?" This is making students think about different scenarios and helping them acknowledge this book isn't an isolated event. Then they would share their findings with 3-4 students in the class.
Digital Resources
NASA Global Climate Change looks into the environmental issue of climate change while offering multiple sources for both educators and students. This site includes information, data, quizzes and more.
Time for Kids nurtures today's learners and tomorrow's leaders with authentic news and the critical-thinking skills that shape active global citizens.
Touchable Earth increases what children know about the world. More importantly, it improves how they understand it. The program develops critical thinking skills essential for a lifetime of learning.