Children's Lives Around the World

Children's Lives Around the World

by Tricia Roberts

What is life like for other children around the world?​

​1st Paragraph

​What is life like for children all over the world? The time when a person is a child is special. It's a time to have fun with our friends. But it's also a time to learn about responsibility and experience ceremonies of passage as we travel into adulthood. Have you ever wondered what kids your age do in different parts of the world? Lots of kids around the world go to school, but they don't all get there in the same way.

​2nd Paragraph

In the US, it's common for kids to hop on a yellow school bus. But in India, lots of kids cycle to class. Some kids are home-taught/educated by their parents, meaning they don't have to travel to learn. And in the Amish community, kids only attend school until eighth grade, when they start working in the community. How do you get to school every day?

Multiple Choice

How do most kids in India get to school?

Poll

How do you get to and from school?

​3rd Paragraph

Kids all around the world learn about responsibility by helping out with hard jobs. When they help prepare meals, they learn about sharing responsibilities. When they wash up after dinner, they learn about the importance of being clean. And when they take care of farm animals on their family farm, they begin to understand all of the things their parents do for them to keep them healthy and safe. What responsibilities do you have?

Poll

What are some responsibilities you have at home?

​4th Paragraph

In the Jewish tradition, for example, when boys turn 13, they have a party, also known as a Bar Mitzvah, to mark their change from children to young adults. In the Hispanic community, when girls turn 15, they celebrate their coming of age with a quinceanera party by dressing up in beautiful dresses and celebrating with their family. We've learned how education looks different around the world, how we learn about responsibility by helping with hard jobs, and how some mark their trip into adulthood by celebrating ceremonies of passage. How do you think your life is different from other kids around the world?

Open Ended

How do you think your childhood is different from other kids around the world?

Examples:

---+ I have fewer chores to do.

---+ I have more chores to do.

---+ I get to school by using my scooter.

---+ I don't have to use a ladder to climb up a cliff to get to school.

Multiple Choice

At what age do girls celebrate their Quinceanera?

• 16

• 17

• 15

• 14

Multiple Choice

At what age do boys celebrate their Bar Mitzvah

• 11

• 12

• 13