I am dropping by to share a book with all of you and link up with my friends
Amanda and Stacia, the Collaboration Cuties for the amazing linky party...
I am sharing a book that I learned about when my daughter brought it home from the school library (and then proceeded to bring it home again and again and again, she may just love it).
It is How to Build Your Own Country by Valerie Wyatt.
Here is the
description from Amazon:
How to Build Your Own Country is an interactive and totally original learning experience that shows kids how to build their very own country from scratch. This book, the only one of its kind, offers children the expertise and advice they'll need to plant their flag in the backyard, in the bedroom or online. Kids will be amazed to discover that anyone can do it. Nation-building advice is peppered with examples of events that have shaped countries throughout history, teaching young readers about government, elections, geography and global issues. Backed up with lots of amazing examples of real micronations - some established or ruled by kids - How to Build Your Own Country promises to inspire, entertain and inform young nation-builders. Want to build your very own country from scratch? It's easy:
Step 1: Stake Out Your Identity ... with a flag, money and a national anthem. Learn how to put your country's name on the map.
Step 2: Run the Country ... with a government, constitution, laws and an economy.
Step 3: Meet the Neighbors ? and join other nations on the big issues that face the whole world, such as poverty, global warming, security and international aid. How To Build Your Own Country is part of CitizenKid: A collection of books that inform children about the world and inspire them to be better global citizens.
I love this book. I think it has so many teach possibilities....but I have not actually used it in my own classroom YET!!
Here are some pictures from inside the book. As you can see it is really set up as a great model for student projects.
Fun facts while getting to name their country!!
Branches of the government!!
Woohoo - responsibilities of the government!!
See you could make a class map with all the new countries!! Each student would make a flag and a fact page. Students could even make trade agreements and peace pacts with each other!!
Look at all the real terms they will learn!!
This book is full of fun facts and humorous ideas that will really engage your students while teaching them about the different types of governments and the responsibilities of governments to govern and care for their people.
Of course I think you should add a bit about what sports their country would participate in at the Olympics - would they be a summer or winter kinda country?
Which leads me to Sunday Funday. I am also linking up with
Molly and
Deidre for their new linky...
Our Sunday Funday started at 7 a.m. (gasp) when we got up to watch the gold medal hockey game.
It has been so fun watching all of the great sports we don't get to see very often and hear all the stories of these amazing athletes and their dedication. Looking forward to tonight's closing ceremonies too. So proud of all the athletes - love, love, love the Olympics. So sad to see them end.