The ignorant Americans have been ridiculed for years for their geographic illiteracy. But there is a way to ignite childrens interest in the world and raise open-minded, well-read, well-educated citizens. by Alinka Rutkowska
(centrist)
Thursday, October 6, 2011
“Americans are among the most geographically illiterate people in the Westernized world,” says David J. Keeling, head of WKU’s Department of Geography and Geology. About 11 percent of young citizens of the U.S. couldn't even locate the U.S. on a map. The Pacific Ocean's location was a mystery to 29 percent; Japan, to 58 percent; France, to 65 percent; and the United Kingdom, to 69 percent, reveals a National Geographic survey.
“Our need for a higher level of global literacy, for a broader and deeper understanding of the world around us, is critical and compelling. How can we possibly understand the impacts of globalization on our society if we have no basic knowledge of the world in which we live? Across the globe, the “ignorant American” routinely is derided, and the level of contempt for U.S. policy and, at times, American culture has risen dramatically since the 1980s,” comments Keeling. We could blame the schools but instead, as parents we can take the matter in our own hands and make sure that our children find geography an exciting topic. But how?
Geography can be such a fun topic when presented from the right angle. Via the right materials children can become passionate about traveling, other cultures and open-minded especially with regard to different races and ways of life. Having in mind the bringing up of well-read, well-educated citizens I created the “Maya & Filippo” travel book series. Maya and Filippo are fictional characters who travel around the world on a cruise ship, visit different ports of call, learn about different customs and traditions and always draw positive conclusions out of each of their adventures. Maya and Filippo come as a coloring book so while children color as they read they also get a real feel for where the different countries are located and could easily find them on the world map.
My mission is to increase the little ones’ cultural awareness, teach them to cherish unique backgrounds as well as maintain a positive attitude and conviction that the world is theirs if they only believe. The Maya and Filippo series is the perfect starting point for young readers to develop an excitement for geography and a desire to learn more and more. The illustrations to be colored will actively engage the little ones as they read.
Already available are (on www.mayafilippo.com, amazon and your local book store): “Maya & Filippo Make Friends in Auckland”, in which the characters discover Auckland and meet different kinds of people depending on…read the book to find out! “Maya & Filippo Play Chef at Sea”, in which the children spend a day at sea, but can you guess which sea it is? They learn how to bake a cake and how they can turn one orange into enough for two. Coming soon are: “Maya & Filippo Look for Happiness in Tauranga” “Maya & Filippo See ‘Impossible’ Things in The Garden City” “Maya & Filippo Visit The University of Dunedin” Having these books as part of our children’s reading material will make sure nobody will call them an “ignorant American”.
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The views expressed
in this article are those of Alinka Rutkowska only and
do not represent the views of Nolan Chart, LLC or its affiliates.
Alinka Rutkowska is solely responsible for the contents
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Posted By: Bill Gee
Date: October 10, 2011 02:35:18 PM
I don't know... I believe it really depends on the priorities of the parent. One of the toys my son enjoyed playing with is a puzzle of the United States. At just over three years-old, he can correctly identify 60% of the states and their locations, plus a little factoid about each one (usually connected to a far-flung family member or a favorite book or movie). He has one for the world that he's started learning with gusto.
I'm sure your books are good and provide a service to underserved children. After all, if a parent is globally ignorant, their child would be as well. Perhaps your work can make a small dent in that cycle...
ed for a higher level of global literacy, for a broader and deeper understanding of the world around us, is critical and compelling. How can we possibly understand the impacts of globalization on our society if we have no basic knowledge of the world in which we live? Across the globe, the “ignorant American” routinely is derided, and the level of contempt for U.S. policy and, at times, American culture has risen dramatically since the 1980s,” comments Keeling. We could blame the schools but instead, as parents we can take the matter in our own hands and make sure that our children find geography an exciting topic. But how?
in a positive attitude and conviction that the world is theirs if they only believe. The Maya and Filippo series is the perfect starting point for young readers to develop an excitement for geography and a desire to learn more and more. The illustrations to be colored will actively engage the little ones as they read.