A slideshow of maps designed by children from around the world

Brazil It is obvious through the pictures on this map, that this child from Brazil has learned that our world is made up of many different cultures, ethnicities, and languages. They also know that these differences can be seen in the color of an individual’s skin, or how they dress. An awareness of endangered species is also apparent. This student understands that though the world is inhabited by a diverse array of people, the fact that they all call Earth their home is where they can find common ground.

Canada This child seems to have learned a great deal about the value of our Earth and pollution’s devastating effects on it. This concept is probably representative of a formal schooling background, within an advanced, modern society (Canada). This student puts a high value on the world itself versus the people that inhabit it.

Iran This student seems to have a very naive, innocent view our the world. The Earth is happy and everyone in it is happy as well. The student unites the various people in the picture by having the Earth embrace them all. This seems to communicate that they have learned that all people were created equally, and should be treated as so.

Japan This is a very detailed representation of the world, that communicates a very poignant message. Not only does the student’s title share their belief in how the world should be, by adding the pie charts they communicate the reality of the world in which we live-a stark difference from the message of unity. This student has obviously learned a great deal about geography, world cultures, and current world events.

Lithuania This student seems to have a whimsical view of the world in which they live. The placement of the continents is fairly accurate, so some study of geography is apparent. This student seems to have learned that this world is a happy place to live and that this happiness and joy is what can unite people from every continent.

Saudi Arabia Not being able to read the title of this poster, makes it a little more difficult to interpret. However, this student is aware of the diversity of people groups in the world, given the different color of skin of the people in it. The scene seems to communicate a oneness and acceptance of other people. The world also looks as though it is being supported by everyone in the picture-no one person or group is represented as more important than the other.

Spain Through the pictures on the map, this student displays their knowledge of world cultures, world history, and biology. They must have an awareness of discrimination of people based on skin color. To communicate a solution of peace and unity, they have two arms of two different colors of skin embracing a world full of diverse people, places, and things.

Sweden This world view communicates a very egocentric view of the world. This, or the student may just have a very limited understanding of other countries and their cultures, geography, etc. Their factual knowledge of landscapes and maps is evident, but an awareness of the diversity of people and cultures is not evident.

Ukraine This student took a very artistic, metaphoric approach to communicating her view of the world. It definitely doesn’t reflect deep factual knowledge of the other countries in the world. The butterfly can be seen as a symbol of peace, so this student is probably trying to communicate her hope for harmony throughout the world. This leads me to believe that they have some knowledge of the conflict and injustices that exist in our world, and is voicing her call for change.

United Arab Emirates This student seems to have a very modern and technologically minded view of the world in which we live. They are obviously aware of the existence of space exploration and the satellites that orbit the Earth. Instead of focusing on what commonality unites the people of the Earth, this student uses technology to unite the continents of our world.