A Dupatta Is...
What’s inside...
A Dupatta Is..., written by Marzieh Abbas and vividly brought to life by the artwork of Anu Chouhan, is a loving and lyrical ode to the dupatta. A dupatta, a traditional shawl worn by women in South Asia, is celebrated for its beauty, color, and versatility, capturing the sounds of swooshing fabric, the scents of spices, and the fun of childhood games. It encompasses the essence of family and cultural identity through its multifaceted uses and symbolic meaning.
Discussion points
What are some ways that people in the book use a dupatta?
How do the colors and patterns of the dupattas make you feel? Do they remind you of something special?
Can you think of other objects that are used in many different ways, like the dupatta?
Why do you think the dupatta is important to the people in the story?
How does the dupatta help bring the community together in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to describe and draw their own dupatta with colors and patterns they like.
Discuss the cultural significance of the dupatta and compare it with objects in your culture that have multiple uses.
Ask your child to think about and discuss how everyday objects in their life can be used in creative ways.
Relate the themes of the book to your child’s experiences by discussing family traditions and community gatherings.
Pause at different pages to ask your child how they think the character feels about their dupatta and explore the emotions associated.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cultural Appreciation
Explanation: The story showcases the beauty and significance of the traditional dupatta in South Asian culture, encouraging children to appreciate and respect different cultural practices.
Real-World Application: Children learn to recognize and value cultural diversity in their communities, fostering an inclusive attitude and respect for others' traditions.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: The protagonist uses her dupatta in various imaginative ways, illustrating the power of creativity in everyday objects.
Real-World Application: Kids are inspired to use their imagination to repurpose everyday items in their playtime, boosting their creative thinking skills.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family Ties
Explanation: The dupatta is portrayed as a symbolic link between generations, emphasizing the importance of family and heritage.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore their own family histories and cherish the connections and traditions that bond them.
Example Lesson: Self-expression
Explanation: The book celebrates how the dupatta allows the character to express her personal style and identity.
Real-World Application: This inspires children to explore and express their individuality through their choices in clothing and other forms of expression.
Example Lesson: Sharing and Generosity
Explanation: The character shares her dupatta with friends, teaching the value of generosity.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to share their own belongings and spread kindness in social settings like school or playgrounds.