Stefano Montanari is a journalist and human rights advocate based in Europe.
Sept. 27, 2016
Key Points: Children's book author Stefano Montanari has written a new book with the hopes of taking advantage of the natural curiosity in children. “An Unexpected Friend” aims to stimulate thought and reflection on the topics of human rights, ethics, and democratic values. Montanari has written a tale of diversity, prejudices, and friendship that challenges readers to confront one of today's most pressing social problems; the idea of the”other.”
Intended Audience: Educators, Parents, and young Students
Relevance: Educating about the issues of diversity, prejudice and human rights is extremely important. Why not start early? This book would be appropriate for K-5th grade students as well as developmentally delayed students in higher grades.
This looks like an awesome book! I appreciate what you said about this book being good for students with disabilities. Many students in special education benefit from social stories or books to learn concepts. This book could be a way to teach younger students and students with disabilities about diversity and their prejudices. I find that children are often very curious about people who are different than they are, and a book like this would show them that this is OK, and provide them with a story about how to do that.
ReplyDeleteI really like the way the author has used the natural world to bring this important topic to younger children. Some people think that younger students cannot grasp these critical concepts. This type of representation allows younger students to access ideas around inclusion and diversity, and gives them the vocabulary around these concepts. Sometimes I think that we often hesitate to talk about certain topics simply because we do not have the words in our mouths, literally. Words we have never spoken are often clumsy on our tongue. Words are like muscles; we need to use them and exercise them to keep them nimble and strong.
ReplyDeleteAs a Special Education teacher at the high school level, I think books like these can be very useful in teaching and opening up a dialogue about various controversial issues our society faces. I agree that we should start educating and informing students about these things at an early age and what better way than through a children's book? Although the "other" concept is pretty complex for lower functioning students I think by providing them with lessons through social stories and picture books is a great idea and will benefit them in the real world setting.
ReplyDeleteThis looks amazing! I think it is awesome how you touched on students with disabilities and the importance that its never to early to start teaching students about diversity, prejudice, and human rights. I couldn't agree more, and I think that if we started teaching students about this even earlier than we may not have the problems that we currently have going on in the world. It is so important be understanding of all people from all different walks of life and I think you did a great job of showcasing this!
ReplyDeleteCool post Kyle and I agree with the idea of exposing children to some of the issues we face in society. As a parent, I know a child will become natural curious and have questions about issues that face our society. I think it's important to not shy away from them, but at the same time it can be difficult to properly expose them to some of the issues, so this children's book would be a great way to go.
ReplyDeleteKyle,
ReplyDeleteI adore this post! As an early childhood educator I am always looking for ways to help young children develop a true acceptance and understanding for all, most importantly my students with special needs. This book seems to be a great way to open up those young minds and get them thinking about true diversity, ethics, and over all human rights. I love this, and am going to buy it for my future arsenal for shaping young minds!
This sounds like a valuable book to include in a classroom curriculum. It can be a springboard to help students discuss and discover their positionality on the issues they face. It reminded me of some of the timeless books from my growing up years. Books like “The Sneetches”, by Dr. Suess on discrimination and “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” by Roald Dahl which highlighted the importance of character even during difficult times.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a valuable book to include in a classroom curriculum. It can be a springboard to help students discuss and discover their positionality on the issues they face. It reminded me of some of the timeless books from my growing up years. Books like “The Sneetches”, by Dr. Suess on discrimination and “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” by Roald Dahl which highlighted the importance of character even during difficult times.
ReplyDelete