Compassion for Immigrant, Refugee, & Stranger
Kids learn compassion in new kids’ book
“He will take something from me that I want/need.”
“There’s already not enough.”
“I don’t trust her…” and so on. The readers of this new children’s book get to grapple with this type of issues. When fear-mongering is rampant, and hatred of “the other” is being modeled from the highest levels of government, what are we teaching our kids?
“This new children’s book addresses the challenges that newcomers have when entering communities and classrooms. Readers are moved toward thoughtful and compassionate action,” said Penshorn. “We realize embracing and accepting new people has complications. This story guides children to explore the questions around this topic. There are many opportunities for deep thinking and finding ‘compassion-smart’ solutions. We invite your participation! Our GoFund Me page will tell you all about the campaign.
What else could they do?
This, along with other thought-provoking questions is asked in the Parent and Educator Guide at the end of the book. The “Conversation Starters” and “Activities” provide several lesson-plans based on the conundrums provided by the story.
The Story
The lonely and cold dog finds himself abandoned by a family that could no longer afford to keep him. They live in a town that’s one of the recent ones suffering with the lead-in-our-pipes problem. Bottled water (that comes with its own, less immediate health risks) puts this poor old dog’s family in a financial crisis. They turn to the animal shelter for help, but the shelter is full. Many people looked for the same solution. Unable to think of a better solution, they decide to drive the dog out of town and drop him off. A heartbreaking first page, mostly told in the art.
The dog wanders into the Barnyard Buddies’ farm, and is immediately informed he has to leave because Farmer Jim doesn’t like strangers. However, the poor old guy is too tired and hungry to continue walking. He is ready to give up.
A Happy Ending?
The story evolves…While it does have a happy ending, many of the children coming to our country or our communities as immigrants, refugees, and newcomers, don’t have that experience.
Children in every school, home, day care, church, synagogue, or mosque need opportunities to think about these difficult conundrums. They need time to think and to practice their decision-making skills before they become adults. It’s very valuable if they can learn to hold compassion in their hearts while they consider practical implications. This skill comes quite naturally to most children, but reinforcing it and putting it in a memorable story helps them recognize the value of that way of thinking. Further, it helps them believe in themselves, even if adults around them are not always good role models.
What did these kids learn today? Compassion, empathy, working out a problem? YAY!
Copyright: wavebreakmediamicro / 123RF Stock Photo
A Sense of Belonging
Well-developed characters, expressively drawn by Jeanine-Jonee Keith, reveal the complexity of the animals’ emotions. The owl, who steadfastly welcomes the lonely dog, points out, “Often kindness brings more kindness.” The need for children to be included and feel a sense of belonging for maximum mental and physical wellness, is demonstrated by the dog, who recovers quickly when he receives care.
Parent and Educator Guide
Following the touching story, a Parent and Educator Guide provides questions that encourage children to think deeply, creatively, and critically, as they consider ways they might respond to similar situation.
“This book is a great resource for families and teachers looking for materials that enhance decision-making. It supports teachers dealing with a new child in class, or perhaps immigrants, or refugees. We think these are critical discussions to have in today’s world,” said Rebecca Janke, M.Ed., the book’s content editor.
Whether it’s at the border or in our classrooms, “What are we teaching our children?”
This children’s book has multiple benefits for the teacher and parent reading to children ranging from simple counting opportunities to the introduction of civic language. The Barnyard Buddies illustrate and talk about both majority rule and consensus-building. The book fills a current, intense need for children to delve more deeply as they begin to grapple with complex problems. Today’s kids will need to solve many issues around increased displacement as we face disruptions due to climate change, war, famine, political unrest, and so on.
The Book Needs You!
Please participate with the production and marketing of this book. Visit our GoFundMe page. Your share is critical! We also invite you to become a fundraising team member and help raise money to promote this book. Please email julie@smarttoolsforlife.com for a team invitation.
Wouldn’t it be sad if parents, librarians, and educators didn’t know about this book? Follow us on Twitter and Facebook so you’ll know when this lovely book is available for you to cry over and talk over with the kids in your life. Because, at the end of the day, “What are we teaching our children?”