1. Pluralism Tara Cregg Powers

2. The Technological World

3. Paulo Vitor de Sousa Macêdo, Brazil, Age 9 This picture, “The Technological World,” shows the planet united using technology. This child is aware that people all over the world are able to not only communicate with each other, but learn about each other. In his eyes, this creates a more productive and pleasant world.

4. Let’s clean the world

5. Anelia Jotova, Bulgaria, Age 10 This picture, “Let’s clean the world,” clearly reflects that the artist is concerned for the earth and environmental issues. She draws both the negative effects of pollution and natural resources that should be conserved. She also includes children from around the world in her illustration making a difference and becoming involved in the earth’s clean up.

6. Bridging for Friendship

7. Liiu Xinjian, China, Age 10 “Bridging for Friendship” is an articulate drawing of bonds created around the world. Cultural icons are placed throughout the illustration that proves the creator’s knowledge of other countries. This child believes that although we have our differences people from all over the world can live and work in harmony.

8. I Am Not a Game…

9. Filio Kyriacou, Valanto Gavriel, Vasiliki Papa, Cyprus, Age 10 The map titled, “I Am Not a Game..” is the work of a child who is aware of the severity of global issues. The creator of this map is conveying the need to take action to help ensure a safe future for the planet. This map shows that the planet is something to conserve not play with.

10. We are friends

11. Elise Nikula, Finland, Age 8 I believe the author of, ”We are friends,” is presenting various cultures ‘riding’ together in harmony. The map shows that it is possible to put aside our differences and focus on our similarities. People from all over the world are on the same trip together and sharing the same planet.

12. The earth is smiling

13. Sirmakezis Thanasis, Greece, Age 10 The creator of, “The earth is smiling,” is showing how our world can be if we treat the planet with respect. The artist incorporates the themes of love, joy, and peace in the map. The earth is also being shown as a home for animals in the illustration.

14. The Animal’s World

15. Kamilla Merete Kristiansen, Norway, 10 “The Animal’s World” shows a map of the planet that focuses on animal habitats. It calls attention to the fact that these animals were living on the continents before humans were. The author is conveying the need for wild animal conservation.

16. Equality for Everyone

17. Blanca Rodrigo Conde, Spain, Age 10 “Equality for Everybody” is a map representing resources that, the creator’s eyes, should be available for everyone around the world. These resources are being shown traveling around the world to all countries despite their differences.

18. Help Each Other

19. Vrishin Mehta, United Kingdom, Age 8 The map titled, “Help Each Other,” shows the continents as a tight fitting puzzle all united for a common cause. Organizations that provide aid and support in various nations are shown on this map as well. The continents are all connected to help people all over the world.

20. East and West

21. Stephanie Reuss, United States, Age Unknown The map titled, “East and West” separates our planet into the east and west hemispheres. Although the world is shown divided, however, all continents and nations appear equal. Animals that are found in both hemispheres are shown around both the east and west hemispheres. I think the author focused on the natural resources of our planet.

22. A Focus on the map“Help Each Other” I thought the map, “Help Each Other,” was a very impressive illustration. The creator of this map represented each continent with regards to the correct shape and used color to make it visually appealing. What I found to be unique about this map was the inclusion of national organizations that provide aid. This author had knowledge of the United Nations Enviornment Program (UNEP), the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the UN Refegee Agency (UNHCR), the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the United Nations World Food Program (WFP), and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). This is a lot of global information to have and comprehend. Especially since the creator is an eight year old child!

23. The Global Perspective A common theme that I saw present within all ten maps was a call for treating the Earth with respect. Many of the maps illustrate ways in which the child believes we should come together to help make our planet a better place. Many of the maps included wild animals pointing out the fact that we as humans came second to most of the animal kingdom. I was very impressed with the global views and knowledge that these young students have about their world. If these maps are a glimpse into the future and work of our leaders to come, we will be seeing environmental changes for the better and for the good of our planet.

24. Instructional Plan To encourage my students to do their part to help conserve and make the world a better place I would read, “I Can Save the Earth!: One Little Monster Learns to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle (Alison Inches, 2008). My students would learn about environmental awareness from the main character ‘Max the Little Monster’ and his adventures. After reading and discussing the stories, we would create a list of ways they can do their part both at home and at school. Creating a class project from an activity on the list would be a great way to get my students excited about being environmentally conscious. I would discuss other projects that children around the world have done to help the planet. We would use http://www.epa.gov/students/index.html as a starting point for both our activity research and our inspiration. http://www.epa.gov/students/index.html