With the increasing accessibility of technology, it seems as though the world is becoming a much smaller place. Unfortunately, many children today are still unable to reach out and connect with the world outside their immediate communities.
Just recently, a Chicago teacher I know worked hard to raise money so that her third graders could go on a field trip to see their very own city on a trolley ride. Although her students had lived in Chicago all their lives, many of them had never been downtown or seen any of the typical landmarks for which the city is known. This story strengthened my belief that exposing children to the world is one of the most important things we can do.
I have been very fortunate in my life to travel to many interesting places throughout the world. I started traveling at a young age and love to share that passion with others. My experiences in other cities and countries have played a significant part in my teaching, and they will continue to do so for the rest of my life.
The purpose of this blog is to share my love of traveling and experiencing different cultures with children, parents, and other teaching professionals. As I document my exploration of these cultures, I will share suggestions for quality children’s literature that can be used in the classroom or at home. It is my hope that these books will spark discussions and inquiry that will increase understanding of other people and places.
