Activity Overview
In this activity, students will identify the similarities and differences between their own experiences with books while living in the United States, with those of children from other countries around the world.
In this example, the United States is compared to Peru; the location of the books and the quantity of the books differ. Children in the United States can access books at a public library in their city or town. Many schools have libraries for children to check out books. In Peru, children get their books in a number of ways, including being delivered in wooden suitcases and plastic bags by donkey cart; the books remain in a reading promoter's home. In the United States, libraries have thousands of books for children to choose from. In Peru, each bag contains twenty books which families keep for a month; the books come in four different reading levels so children can learn how to read.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective:Compare and contrast your own experiences with books while living in the United States, with those of children from other countries around the world.
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment” and give your storyboard a name.
- Label the left column your country's name. Label the right column with the name of another country.
- Label the rows with categories you are going to compare.
- Give examples for each category, summarizing in the description boxes.
- Create illustrations for each using appropriate scenes, characters, items, and text.
- Save and exit when you are done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
In this activity, students will identify the similarities and differences between their own experiences with books while living in the United States, with those of children from other countries around the world.
In this example, the United States is compared to Peru; the location of the books and the quantity of the books differ. Children in the United States can access books at a public library in their city or town. Many schools have libraries for children to check out books. In Peru, children get their books in a number of ways, including being delivered in wooden suitcases and plastic bags by donkey cart; the books remain in a reading promoter's home. In the United States, libraries have thousands of books for children to choose from. In Peru, each bag contains twenty books which families keep for a month; the books come in four different reading levels so children can learn how to read.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective:Compare and contrast your own experiences with books while living in the United States, with those of children from other countries around the world.
Student Instructions:
- Click “Start Assignment” and give your storyboard a name.
- Label the left column your country's name. Label the right column with the name of another country.
- Label the rows with categories you are going to compare.
- Give examples for each category, summarizing in the description boxes.
- Create illustrations for each using appropriate scenes, characters, items, and text.
- Save and exit when you are done.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about My Librarian is a Camel: Similarities and Differences in Perspective
Plan a Perspective-Taking Discussion with Your Class
Start by preparing a list of thoughtful questions that encourage students to compare their experiences with those of children in other countries. This helps foster empathy and global awareness in your classroom.
Model Comparing and Contrasting Perspectives
Demonstrate how to identify similarities and differences using a Venn diagram or T-chart. Visual aids make abstract thinking concrete for younger students.
Guide Students to Use Text Evidence
Encourage students to find and cite specific examples from the article or book. Using evidence strengthens critical thinking and reading comprehension skills.
Facilitate Small-Group Sharing
Organize students into small groups to discuss their findings and perspectives. Group work allows for richer discussion and multiple viewpoints.
Reflect and Connect to Students’ Own Lives
Invite students to share how learning about other perspectives changes their view of their own experiences. This step deepens understanding and personal connection to the lesson.
Frequently Asked Questions about My Librarian is a Camel: Similarities and Differences in Perspective
What is the main idea of the 'My Librarian is a Camel' lesson for students?
The main idea of the 'My Librarian is a Camel' lesson is to help students compare and contrast their own experiences with accessing books in the United States with those of children in other countries, like Peru, highlighting both similarities and differences in library access and book delivery methods.
How do children in Peru get access to books compared to children in the United States?
Children in Peru often receive books delivered in wooden suitcases or plastic bags by donkey cart, with books kept at a reading promoter's home. In contrast, children in the United States usually access books through public libraries or school libraries that offer thousands of choices.
What are effective ways to help students compare their experiences with books to those of children in other countries?
Effective ways include using a comparison chart or storyboard, labeling columns with country names, choosing categories to compare (like location, quantity, delivery), providing examples, and creating illustrations to visualize differences and similarities.
Why is it important for students to learn about different perspectives on book access around the world?
Learning about different perspectives helps students develop empathy, understand global challenges, and appreciate the value of libraries and books, fostering a broader worldview and critical thinking skills.
What are some categories students can use to compare book access in different countries?
Categories for comparing could include location of books, quantity of books, how books are delivered, who manages the books, and reading levels available.
More Storyboard That Activities
My Librarian is a Camel
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