quest for understanding differences: Globally to locally, The

Childhood Education, Fall 1998 by Croissant, Ann

While on an extensive assignment teaching in a variety of international settings, I was particularly impressed with the resourcefulness and innovation of cultures and countries outside of the United States. International travel brings new learning opportunities; our readiness to learn, however, is not always in synch with the moments at hand. As someone once said, "Change is inevitable, but growth is optional." International contexts give us needed opportunities to grow, and to examine and reflect on issues that challenge us personally, professionally, and societally. Ultimately, the more we understand about others, the more we can understand and help ourselves.

Thanks to the following videos, there now are more ways to build an understanding of, and appreciation for, each of our unique individual and cultural gifts.

Celebrating Differences Globally Ernst Interactive Media (EIM) invites you to "bring children from each continent into your elementary classroom" through the Hello! From Around the World! video series. The extensive collection of countries and regions represented includes: Bali, Japan, Ecuador, Venezuela, Central Europe, Egypt, Australia, South Pacific Islands, Mexico, Central America, and the United States.

Hello! captures personal and cultural distinctiveness through colorful, dynamic vignettes about childhood. The videos show a child's typical day, from home to school to play, as well as rituals and celebrations. Suddenly, these seemingly remote locations really are not so far away. Getting acquainted with children and childhood in different countries and cultures is the first step to understanding people and society as they exist in their great diversity. The time "spent" in Ghana and Japan through Hello! was particularly delightful!

Part of the reason behind this video series' success is its inclusion of teachers in the process from start to finish. Teachers Patty Ernst and Karen Melnychuck, the series originators, say that they want to help people learn about other countries through the eyes of the children who live there. Hello! From Around the World! is designed for grades K-7, although middle school and older elementary children will most appreciate it. Included with each video is a teacher's guide and student journal. The videos are rich with language, concepts, customs, games, and heritage. As an introduction to curriculum that emphasizes or integrates geography and / or multicultural concepts, the series' video selections will make a memorable curriculum contribution.

Prices and information on the Hello! From Around the World! series are available by calling 1-800-554-3556. The videotapes' average running time is 25 minutes. The 11 entries in the series are available at $39.95 each, with an additional cost of $19.95 for a copy of the teacher's guide, and $19.95 for the student journal (with a set of reproducible masters). Fax orders to 716-374-8325, send E-mail to royernst@aol.com, or write: Ernst Interactive Media,6847Rt. 21, Naples, NY 14512.

Celebrating Differences Through Storytelling and Song

Timeless stories that transcend generations and cultures are offered in story and song formats on this video. Roseberry Entertainment's Enough Already!, based on a Yiddish folktale, communicates the timeless message that "more is not always better," and that we must be thankful for what we have. The video is visually pleasing and lively, setting a new standard for excellence in animated stories. The music, story line, and artistic effects are outstanding. Although recommended for ages 2-6, the enjoyment and message communicate readily to all ages and cultures. Come celebrate a tradition!

Enough Already! is available through Roseberry Entertainment at 1800-990-8838. Running time is 26 minutes. School and library price is set at $19.95. E-mail can be sent to RoseberryE@aol.com, or write to 4452 Abbott Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55410.

In a similar context, Sounds Write Productions offers Sing Me a Story with Rabbi Joe Black. This video showcases a great variety of songs that will have you singing and clapping. Learn the meaning behind such Jewish traditions as the lighting of the menorah and building a sukkah.

Sing Me a Story is available from Sounds Write Productions at 1-800-9SOUND-9. Running time is approximately 45 minutes. Video cost is $19.95. Other materials and information is available by fax at 619-697-6124, or by writing Sounds Write Productions, 6685 Norman Lane, San Diego, CA 92120.

With its Notes Alive! children's video series, the Minnesota Orchestra Visual Entertainment (MOVE) has burst onto the video scene with surprisingly pleasing, evocative, and innovative titles that introduce children to the arts through literature and cultural connections. Particularly outstanding among the videos reviewed has been On the Day You Were Born, based on an original story by children's author/illustrator Debra Frasier (who also narrates). This video integrates 3-D animation of brightly colored paper-cutout illustrations, and an original orchestral opus composed by Steve Heitzeg and superbly performed by the Minnesota Orchestra under the direction of William Eddins. The contribution of the Pixel Farm animators is phenomenal. The producers convey the message that the birth of every child is a celebration of meaning and hope. Although intended for grades K-6, all ages will be moved by the beauty and meaning in the video. On the Day You Were Born received the American Library Association's 1997 Andrew Carnegie Medal for "Best Children's Video of the Year." Curriculum packages are also available.