Everywhere Babies by Susan Meyers

Everywhere Babies, written by Susan Meyers and illustrated by Marla Frazee, is a read aloud book geared towards preschoolers and kindergarteners. Published in 2001, this book depicts a variety of activities that a baby does, such as playing with rattles, sleeping in cradles, crawling around, and making friends. It uses a simple vocabulary, but has complex illustrations as it is meant to be used for younger students who typically learn more through art than through words. 

Everywhere Babies can be used for a kindergarten-aged lesson about embracing diversity and individuality. The objective of the lesson would be that students will be able to respect and embrace cultural and racial diversity. The book could be introduced to students in several different ways. For example, teachers could pose a simple question to students, such as, “What do babies do?” or ask, “Who has spent time with a baby? (such as a younger sibling),” which would invite students to share their own experiences. Once introducing the book to students as a book about families and babies, more specific questions can be asked once reading begins. Teachers should ask questions like, “What do you notice about each family? Do you see a baby that you think looked like you when you were a baby? Do all the babies look the same, or are they each different, like us?” Once finishing the reading, allow time for students to reflect on the book and to ask any questions they may have. Tell students why you chose this book, and how it represents different backgrounds and cultures. Everywhere Babies is a simple way to introduce topics surrounding diversity and individuality, while still being understandable and age-appropriate for young learners.

 

Contributor: Olivia Crowley