ABOUT THIS BOOK HOW THIS BOOK WAS CREATED This book was created on the basis of Hands Around the World, a multi-cultural programme applied for three years in the "De~ja otkrivalica," a children's studio in Belgrade. Recognition of a need for such a programme appeared in the early 1990s, a period marked in this region by extreme ethnic and cultural intolerance. We proceeded from an assumption that becoming aware of diverse customs and views of the world at an early age can contribute to the development of an open and tolerant spirit in children, and that knowledge about the differences existing between cultures represents a step towards their acceptance and the recognition of the enormous wealth they encompass. Realisation of Hands Around the World began early in 1994 in the form of workshops for children aged four to seven. The high level of interest and motivation for the activities in the programme we saw in the children led us to collect new materials to upgrade it. As a result, from 1997 it developed into the following forms: 1. workshops for children aged 4 and 5, involving narrative focused on specific countries, and 2. workshops for children aged 6 and 7, involving activities focused on specific countries. Accordingly, the selection of activities and countries in this book was made on the basis of the wishes and preferences expressed by the children.
HOW TO USE THIS BOOK With Children Around the World will take you on a journey through 22 countries during which you will learn about different peoples, cultures and customs. Your itinerary is up to you - you can visit them in any order you like. Each segment includes the basic geographical, natural, social and cultural information, as well as many suggestions for diverse games and activities. On page 4 we present the symbols used in the book to help you find your way around. The symbols also make possible "thematic" reading, where you might be interested only in a specific subject-matter (for example just songs or food). We advise parents to read the book together with their children, to talk about it with them, and of course also to try their hand at some of the suggested activities. Children of pre-school age and those slightly older may also read the book on their own. They need to seek the assistance of adults only when they want to engage in one of the activities marked with a small hand and big hand - the symbol for activities to be undertaken with someone older. The materials suggested for nursery school use should best be developed further in accordance with the children's wished and interests. Finally, let me remind you that the pages of this book are only the initial step in motivating children to learn more about the world in which they live and about their peers - the children of that world. Tatjana Rodi}
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