Human Rights for Young Listeners
Maria Montessori, Education and Peace
The following stories introduce children to core concepts in human rights to enable them to understand both how they should be treated and how they should treat others. Educating children about these concepts will prepare them to “Be the change you want to see in the world.” (Mahatma Gandhi)
“Human Rights for Young Listeners” and the “Summer Reading Program” are made possible with support from Together Treasure Valley.
Summer Reading Program (ages 4-8)
The Summer Reading Program is designed to introduce children to core concepts in human rights (diversity, inclusion, dignity, respect, kindness, empathy, etc.) through stories, art, movement activities, journal drawing and writing, and language stimulation. Gaining an understanding of the vocabulary word “upstander,” participants practice being upstanders through active engagement in the stories read and in the hands-on activities shared.
Human Rights for Young Listeners
I Am Human – A Book of Empathy
By Susan Verde
Art by Peter H. Reynolds
Be Kind
By Pat Zietlow
Illustrated by Jen Hill
“Tonight, four-year-old, Holden was trying to fall asleep and he called me into his room. He said, ‘Mama, what’s an action?’ I explained that it was something you do and gave a couple examples. He replied with, ‘Well, I need to know the actions to be an upstander.’ We spent a few minutes talking about what actions an upstander might use. I can’t tell you how much I love that these are the thoughts that he’s falling asleep to. Thank you!”
Stephanie Van Orsow