Peace Corps

Building Bridges for Young Learners

This 5-lesson guide incorporates e-books on cultural concepts of interest to students in the early grades. Teachers may use the e-books and accompanying teaching suggestions individually, or as part of the full Building Bridges for Young Learners unit.  (2011)

Five books explore the concepts of:

• Self e-book | Teaching suggestions: Each of us has unique characteristics that make us not only look different from one another, but also act differently. These characteristics can help children understand that we as people each have worth and are a vital part of our world.
• Family e-book | Teaching suggestions: The concept of family and its importance in our lives is something that is shared by people of every culture. By looking more closely at photos and simple text describing the roles we each play in our families, students will gain an understanding of how we are all very much the same.
• School e-book | Teaching suggestions: As each of us goes to school; it quickly becomes one of the most important parts of our lives. Although schools are found in every corner of the world, they can be quite different. These differences can help children understand not only the importance of education, but also how children of every culture are similar in their needs.
• Community e-book | Teaching suggestions: Where we live helps shape who we are. By examining the concept of community and its importance in our lives, students will gain an appreciation for their own community while gaining respect for communities that may be very different than their own.
• Culture e-book | Teaching suggestions: Our own culture is all around us and has helped to shape who we are, what we enjoy, and our social norms. Our encounters with those of a different culture are excellent opportunities to celebrate our diversity while appreciating our own culture.

Guatemala: Building a Bottle School

Peace Corps Volunteer Stephanie Olivas reflects on how kids, parents, and community members worked together to build a new school in Quiche, Guatemala.
Teaching suggestions | Spanish version (2010)

India: Asha's Village

Written by returned Peace Corps Volunteer Mike Gannett who served in India in the 1960s, this e-book takes the reader on a virtual journey through a young girl’s village, offering a glimpse into her culture and daily life. Teaching suggestions (2011)

Jordan: Bountiful Harvests

Journey to the Middle East with Peace Corps Volunteer Aisha Sherbiny and explore the creative ways her Jordanian community uses its local olive trees.  (2011)

Lesotho: Playing Together With Kids

Featuring pictures and stories of children playing, this story by returned Peace Corps Volunteer Madeline Uraneck of her experience in Lesotho, is a fantastic resource for young readers to see how children are similar around the world. Lesson plan (2010)

Namibia: Go to School for a Day

Through studying, working, eating, and living together—and through playing together as well—Namibian schoolchildren form new families as they grow and learn. Peace Corps Volunteer Elissa Milanowski provides a unique glimpse into this world. (2009)