Fatima the Spinner and the Tent: English-Dari Edition (Teaching Stories)
#3 of 167 in Teaching Stories Series
What’s inside...
Fatima the Spinner and the Tent is a bilingual English-Dari edition that tells the story of Fatima, a young woman whose journey from the West is fraught with disasters. Shipwrecked near Alexandria, Egypt, she is adopted by a local family of weavers. However, her challenges continue as she is captured and forced to work on making masts for ships. Another shipwreck off the coast of China brings further challenges, but also realization and fulfillment. The tale, attributed to Sheikh Mohamed Jamaludin of Adrianople and illustrated by Natasha Delmar, emphasizes perseverance and is filled with rich cultural illustrations.
Discussion points
What challenges did Fatima face and how do you think she felt during those times?
How did learning different crafts help Fatima in her journey?
Why do you think the story emphasizes the importance of trying new things?
Can you think of a time when you learned something new like Fatima? How did it help you?
What do you think is the message of the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about Fatima’s journey, empathizing with her struggles and achievements.
Relate the crafts Fatima learned to any crafts or new skills your child may want to explore or has already tried.
Discuss the value of perseverance and hard work through Fatima’s experiences and draw parallels to challenges they face in their own lives.
Ask your child how they interpret the ending and what they think happens next, encouraging their imagination and storytelling skills.
Highlight the cultural aspects of the story, discussing the various places Fatima travels to and what is unique about each cultural setting.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Fatima experiences several setbacks and challenges as she travels across different countries, yet she persists and learns new skills in each place.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and not be disheartened by difficulties.
Example Lesson: Value of diverse skills and knowledge
Explanation: Throughout her journey, Fatima acquires various skills, from creating pottery in Turkey to weaving in China, illustrating the importance of diverse knowledge.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to explore different interests and appreciate a range of cultures and crafts.
Example Lesson: Importance of adaptability
Explanation: Fatima shows adaptability by learning and thriving in new environments as she travels from her home in North Africa to different continents.
Real-World Application: Kids can understand the importance of being flexible and adapting to new situations, whether it's moving to a new place or adjusting to a new school.
Example Lesson: Perseverance leads to self-discovery
Explanation: The journey Fatima embarks on helps her to discover her own strengths and capabilities, ultimately leading her to fulfill her destiny.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand that perseverance in their tasks and hobbies can lead to uncovering their own unique talents and potential.
Example Lesson: Cultural appreciation and respect
Explanation: Fatima’s travels expose her to various cultures and traditions, teaching respect and appreciation for diversity.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to learn about and respect different cultures, enhancing social harmony and global understanding.