So, something along the line of:

Introduction:

Hi, my name is (insert child’s entire name) and this is a story of my life.  My life starts in (insert country of origin).  A BIG picture of your child on this page will guarantee their interest in beginning this book.  Wow!  Finally, a book all about ME! Fascinating!

Country of Origin Page:

Large Map of Country very helpful on this page

Give a general statement (neutral/positive) about the country. I then recommend picking one or two highlights of that country’s history, geography, etc  – things that are fairly concrete and give your child a couple of “fun facts” about their country of origin.  Remember, your child doesn’t need to read a dissertation on their country of origin.  You’re just getting the idea across that they started their life in a country other than the one they are living in now, and that country is pretty neat too.

For example: China has a long and rich history.  It is one of the world’s oldest civilizations and occupies most of the East Asian landmass. It is almost as large as the entire continent of Europe.  China also has the largest population of any country in the world, 1.3 billion people. 

City/Province of Origin

Another pretty easy page, I suggest specific pictures of that region or city instead of another map.  This has a two-fold purpose.  One, giving your child more specific information and pictures about the specific area s/he is from.  Two, this is a natural way to go from general to specific in both words and pictures which helps give a “natural ordering” to the lifebook.  Children like and need order.  Arranging a child’s lifebook in a way that allows their story to flow in an easily understandable progression is essential in helping them understand the full story from a very early age.

Very simply put:

Child’s life starts in (x country) -> X Country is … and child was born in Y Area -> Y Area is known for…

Do you see how each topic naturally flows into the next topic?  This is really important, and helps the child learn to make logical assumptions and jumps because s/he can start to guess where the story will next go.

The actual text could read something like…

My story began in Nanning (meaning “peaceful south”), the provincial capital of the southern autonomous region of Guangxi.  It is a very important hub in CHina’s southwest trading interests and is a highlight of Southern China’s emergence as a world industrial power.  It also is connects to the natural beauty of Guilin to the north, and Silver Beach and Golden Beach to the south.

(pictures of industrial Nanning, picturesque Guilin and a beach pic would be good here.  I would also include a picture of “People in Nanning” – trying to make sure it shows many different kinds of people – old, young, man, woman, children – both boy and girl)

What are some of your ideas?  What do you think is important to include on these pages?

next on the agenda – Birthparents…