Grandma Comes to Stay
First experiences Series
on Goodreads (29)
What’s inside...
First Experiences is an exciting new series portraying young children's very first experiences of nursery school, time with grandparents, and other events. This series helps familiarize children with what may initially seem unfamiliar through simple read-aloud words and beautiful photos, eventually making it a routine part of everyday life. In this book set in Ghana, Stephanie prepares for her Grandma's stay. During the visit, Grandma teaches Stephanie how to wear traditional dress, reads her favorite book, and takes her to a festival to see real-life dancers. In return, Stephanie shows Grandma how to kick a ball, ride a bike, and play the drum.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the character felt when Grandma came to stay?
What are some ways the family shows Grandma they care about her?
Can you think of a special meal your family cooks when someone visits?
What would you show Grandma if she came to visit us?
How does having Grandma in the house change the daily routine for the family?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to consider their own feelings and experiences when answering questions, relating them to the events in the book.
Use follow-up questions to extend the conversation, such as asking why they think a character feels a certain way or what they would do differently.
Discuss the cultural aspects presented in the book, highlighting any similarities or differences to your family’s own traditions.
Create a warm, open environment where your child feels comfortable expressing their thoughts and ideas without judgment.
Promote empathy by discussing the emotions of different characters and the reasons behind their actions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Celebrating cultural diversity
Explanation: The book portrays Grandma's visit filled with traditional stories, songs, and recipes, giving children an insight into a different culture.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and embrace different cultural backgrounds of their peers, fostering an inclusive environment at school and in social settings.
Example Lesson: Value of family bonding
Explanation: Through the interactions between the protagonist and Grandma, the book highlights the importance of spending quality time with family members.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to engage more actively with their own family members, enhancing interpersonal relationships and emotional security.
Example Lesson: Respect and learning from elders
Explanation: Grandma shares her wisdom and skills, teaching traditional ways and stories, demonstrating the value of elder’s knowledge.
Real-World Application: Children can be motivated to listen to and learn from their grandparents or older people in their community, gaining valuable knowledge and experiences.
Example Lesson: Adaptation to new environments
Explanation: As Grandma acclimates to her new surroundings, children see how adapting to change is a part of life.
Real-World Application: This can help children learn to embrace change in their lives, such as moving to a new place or transitioning to a new school.
Example Lesson: Importance of storytelling
Explanation: The book uses Grandma's stories to pass on cultural traditions and moral lessons.
Real-World Application: Children can develop an appreciation for storytelling, which can enhance their imagination, creativity, and communication skills.