Appreciating Other Cultures
By Tiffany Hoffman
The thought of a 12-year-old in a preschool class might seem strange to most kids. But 12-year-old George Otieno of Kenya is pleased to have the opportunity.
George Otieno of Kenya, Africa
In the March 2007 issue of Highlights®, "The Tallest Kid in the Lunch Line" tells the personal story of how George is finally able to attend school.
Senior Editor Carolyn Yoder, who edits world-cultures articles for Highlights, says this is particularly intriguing because George tells his own story.
"He relates to the people in his surroundings, he’s motivated, he helps his teachers, he comes to life," she says. "And he deals with some of the same basic challenges as American kids."
Yoder believes readers will relate to George because of the similarities in their ages and their relationships with family and classmates.
However, she says readers will also be curious to learn why George wasn't able to start school at a younger age.
"It's an interesting hook that will grab kids' attention," Yoder says. "It's not facts and figures. We hear the voices of the people who live there."
Obento, a child's lunch in Japan
As "The Tallest Kid in the Lunch Line" provides insight into the life of a boy in Kenya, "Obento: Art in a Lunchbox" gives a glimpse into Japanese customs—by way of schoolchildren's lunches.
"Lunchtime is a part of kids' regular routines and a highlight of their school day," says Associate Editor Joëlle Dujardin, who edits nonfiction for Highlights' youngest readers. "This story starts out with something familiar and then shows how another culture adds its own twist."
The story shows the beautiful lunches and explains that obento time is special. Dujardin says this article can appeal to kids' curiosity and sense of playfulness and will help them see that there is not just one way to do something, such as making lunch.
"Where people live plays a big role in the foods they eat and the way they treat food," Dujardin says. "Articles such as these encourage kids to see that the world is full of possibilities. What kids consider to be normal lunch food is not the norm everywhere. It will encourage kids to respect and appreciate the similarities and differences among people."
Yoder hopes the world-cultures articles in Highlights will encourage kids to read more about kids in different places and cultures. And she hopes they will ref lect on the similarities between their own lives and the lives of those they read about.