5 Ways to Foster Global Awareness Through Stories for Children

For children and adults alike, reading is an effective tool that opens doors to new topics, diverse cultures, and novel ways of thinking. Carefully picked age-appropriate books do more than taking children on a wonderful journey; they allow children to explore worlds far beyond their imagination, laying a solid foundation for global awareness. Particularly in the UAE, where people come from diverse cultures and backgrounds, raising globally aware children from the early years becomes essential.  

So, here are 5 ways to foster global awareness through stories for children that are especially relevant to the multicultural environment of the UAE.

1. Teaching Cultural Diversity Through Stories 

Children’s books promoting global understanding introduce young readers to different customs, languages, and ways of life. Storytelling helps them accept and appreciate the beauty in differences. Teaching cultural diversity through reading in early childhood allows children to understand that coming from diverse backgrounds is not a barrier but an opportunity to learn and grow together. This creates shared understanding and compassion among peers. 

2. Developing Empathy for Other Cultures 

When children listen to stories of people from other parts of the world, they experience their joys and sorrows more deeply. They tend to see things from another’s perspective, which is one of the most profound benefits of multicultural books for preschoolers. Therefore, reading can help children empathize with those who are different from them and maybe even come up with solutions to some of their problems. In this manner, reading develops global citizens who are not just learning facts but are able to apply their minds toward solving greater problems.  

3. Connecting Children to the World Through Books 

One person may not physically reach every corner of the world. However, through books, you can be transported anywhere you want. Sitting in a preschool in Dubai, you may explore the streets of Tokyo, the African Savannah, or visit the Himalayan mountains. Through books, children can explore regions, histories, people, climate, languages, the uniqueness of cultures, and the interconnectedness of everything in the world. This creates a global perspective in early childhood literacy. 

4. Fostering Global Awareness Through Shared Values 

No matter where one comes from, there are certain universal values that guide us—kindness, respect, family, and community. These values trickle from countries to societies, communities to educational institutions. Through delightful stories, we can nurture a generation that is keen to uphold these values as they grow and become decision makers in the world, building a compassionate and inclusive future for all. 

5. Building a Strong Foundation for Global Thinkers 

Books celebrating diversity and global topics shape a child’s worldview when introduced in the early years. It encourages the understanding that we are part of a greater global community that is much larger than our neighborhoods. In the UAE, children grow up listening to multiple languages being spoken, different festivals being celebrated, and experiencing cultural immersion like no other place. Here, multicultural stories become windows to the world and mirrors to them. It helps young children reflect and appreciate their own backgrounds while also respecting others. With such stories, we help plant the seeds for open-mindedness and global oneness.  

Practical Tips for Parents and Educators 

• Choose age-appropriate books: Look for simple language and multiculturalism with illustrations to pique interest. 

• Explore different regions: You may like to explore local Emirati culture but also dive into different countries and regions to give children a global outlook. 

• Engage in discussions: Reflections are as essential as the stories themselves. For young children, asking questions and sharing their thoughts and feelings about a book or story helps complete the learning loop. 

• Celebrate cultural days with books: During occasions like UAE National Day or International Day at schools, integrate stories that showcase cultural pride and cross-cultural appreciation. 

• Model global curiosity: Express enthusiasm when reading books from diverse cultures to inspire children to do the same. 

Conclusion 

Reading is primary to a well-rounded education. That is why we see library hours and reading sessions being incorporated as part of curriculum in schools and preschools across the globe. Reading is more than a developmental milestone. It is the first step towards cultivating a lifelong love for learning, growing into informed individuals, and becoming global citizens.  

At Dibber, we are in the process of doing just that. Through observation and autonomy, children are encouraged to pave their own way at learning while educators guide them through relevant tools and resources. After all, every child deserves a happy and wholesome learning experience.