The 8 countries featured include Mexico, India, Ethiopia, China, Israel, Russia, Spain and Jamaica. Each background story is followed by discussion and creative-thinking questions and creative activities, which provide differentiation for gifted students. A recipe from each country is also included. A culminating activity is a research unit which includes the steps to a successful research project. Grades 1–4.

The lessons and activities in this book align with the following Common Core State Standards*:
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.1.2, 1.5, 1.7, 1.8; RI.1.1;SL.1.1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.2.2, 2.5, 2.7, 2.8; RI.2.1;SL.2.1, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.6
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.3.2, 3.4, 3.7, 3.8, 3.10; RI.3.1;SL.3.1, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.6
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.2, 4.4, 4.7, 4.8, 4.10; RI.4.1;SL.4.1, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.6

Ask and answer questions about key details in a text.
Ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text, referring explicitly to the text as the basis for the answers.
Refer to details and examples in a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text.

Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.

Produce clear & coherent writing in which the development & organization are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
With guidance & support from peers and adults, develop & strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising and editing.

Conduct short research projects that build knowledge about a topic.
Recall information from experiences or gather information from print and digital sources; take brief notes on sources and sort evidence into provided categories.
Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.

Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences.

Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.
Determine the main ideas and supporting details of a text read aloud or information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.
Ask and answer questions about information from a speaker, offering appropriate elaboration and detail.

Report on a topic or text, tell a story, or recount an experience with appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details, speaking clearly at an understandable pace.

*Authors: National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, Council of Chief State School Officers
Title: Common Core State Standards English Language Arts
Publisher: National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, Council of Chief State School Officers, Washington, D.C.
Copyright Date: 2010