Ukraine is in the news and your grade school aged children may be wondering and even asking questions. You need to carefully consider what you will share with your children about the current war. Younger and sensitive children may be unable to process this information and become overly fearful. Answer questions from children under eight briefly and clearly. “There is a war where people are fighting. We are safe, but it is a big deal.” We answer questions briefly while assuring them of their safety. With older children, parents should try to grasp what the child wants to know and then provide a brief and not gratuitous answer. Teens will want more information. Be sure to provide them with factual information and help them to evaluate the situation. Older teens may be interested in talking about the moral and political issues. This is the time for parents to step up to discuss worldview issues
Culture, Country and People of Ukraine
All children will enjoy learning about the country, culture, and people of Ukraine. Start with your globe – find Ukraine in Eastern Europe and have your children read the names of the countries around it. You might mention that this country is considered the “breadbasket” of Europe and western Asia; Ukraine grows a large amount of wheat in its fertile grasslands/prairie area called the steppes.
After this general overview check out some of these wonderful children’s books and links.
Rechenka’s Eggs, by Patricia Polacco. An injured goose accidentally breaks Babushka’s painted eggs and provides beautiful replacements for the Easter Festival in this lovely tale of friendship and caring. The illustrations show the history and culture of old Rus and the Ukrainian pysanky eggs.
Easter Eggs for Anya: A Ukrainian Celebration of New Life in Christ, by Virginia Kroll. Anya’s family is too poor to buy eggs to decorate this year, but there is a surprise for her. This is a wonderful origin legend about pysanky eggs, with the Easter story clearly presented. It is sure to become a family favorite!
The Mitten: A Ukrainian Folktale, by Jan Brett. This delightful book tells the tale of a young boy’s lost mitten that becomes a refuge for a group of animals with an explosive ending! The intricate and delightful illustrations with foreshadowing elements on the edges enhance the engaging story.
Vassilisa the Wise: A Tale of Medieval Russia, by Josepha Sherman. A tale about the legendary, wise Vassilisa who saves her husband and herself from Prince Vladimir, the 10th century ruler in Kiev. The story of learned lessons and true love is a delightful tale to the mind and visual feast to the eyes.
When Stravinsky met Nijinsky: Two Artists, Their Ballet, and One Extraordinary Riot, by Lauren Stringer. Vaslav Nijinsky was considered one of the greatest ballet dancers of all time. He was born in Kiev of Polish parents. Stravinsky was a great Russian composer and pianist whose parents were from Kiev. This is the story of their radical new ballet, The Rite of Spring, first performed in Paris in 1913. While not directly about the Ukraine, this book shows some of the important contributions Ukrainians have given to the world.
The Firebird
This Slavic folktale appears in many cultures, including Ukraine. The word “tsar” was used for a ruler in many eastern European countries and the word comes from the “Caesar.”
The Firebird, by Demi. With the help of a magical horse, a young archer fulfills the requests of the evil Tsar and wins the hand of the princess. Extraordinarily detailed illustrations echo the culture and history of the tsars.
The Tale of the Firebird, by Gennady Spirin. The Tsar’s son goes on a quest for the amazing firebird, flies over mountains and woods on a talking wolf, confronts a wicked Baba Yaga, and rescues an enchanted princess. Entrancing, luminous illustrations grace this edition of the classic tale.
The Golden Mare, the Firebird, and the Magic Ring, by Ruth Sanderson. This lovely retelling of the Firebird legend follows a young huntsman (not of noble birth) named Alexi who leaves home seeking adventure and fortune. He finds the Golden Mare, who pledges eternal loyalty in exchange for sparing her life.
Christian History
Monks and Mystics: Chronicles of the Medieval Church (History Lives), by Mindy and Brandon Withrow. This book includes a chapter about Cyril and Methodius, the first missionaries to the Slavic people in the Ukrainian area, and a chapter about Vladimir I, a prince of Kiev who converted to Christianity, tore down idols, and founded churches and schools throughout Kievan Rus.
Cossacks
Cossacks are an East Slavic Orthodox Christian people group who originated in the steppes of Eastern Europe, including in the Ukraine area. Some postulate that this heritage might explain how Ukraine is standing against the power of Russia.
Cossack Dance in the Nutcracker Ballet, by Tchaikovsky. Enjoy the classic music, dance, and costume.
Ukrainian Cossack dancers. Using lively Cossack music and dancing with traditional costumes this modern troop entertain us.
Finally, pray and consider giving
All of us should pray for the suffering that is happening in this war. And perhaps consider donating to a reputable charity that is helping such as Samaritan’s Purse, or World Vision.