Jamela's Dress
#1 in Jamela Series
What’s inside...
Jamela gets in trouble when she takes the material intended for a new dress for Mama, parades it in the street, and allows it to become dirty and torn. But there is a happy ending in store for 'Kwela Jamela African Queen,' and just in time. In another incident, Jamela's mother purchases a length of costly fabric for a wedding, and after washing it, leaves Jamela in charge of the cloth while it dries. Jamela, however, can't resist playing dress-up, leading to another misadventure in this warmly evocative picture book set in South Africa.
Character compass
Jamela
Mama
Discussion points
What do you think Jamela felt when she used the fabric intended for her dress in a different way?
How did the community react to Jamela’s actions? What does this teach us about community support and understanding?
Why is it important to ask for permission before using something that doesn’t belong to us?
What would you have done if you were in Jamela’s shoes?
How do you think the story would change if Jamela made a different decision?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they might feel in Jamela’s situation, fostering a deeper connection to the character’s experiences.
Discuss the cultural aspects presented in the story, such as the importance of fabric and dresses in Jamela’s community, to broaden your child’s worldview.
Highlight the moral decisions in the story and ask your child what they might learn from them, reinforcing the lessons around responsibility and respect.
Use expressive read-aloud techniques, changing your tone for different characters, to make the storytelling session more dynamic and engaging.
After reading, encourage your child to draw or create a craft inspired by the story, solidifying their understanding and appreciation of the narrative.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In 'Jamela's Dress,' Jamela faces consequences after using her mother's fabric for her own project. This teaches children about taking responsibility for their actions.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding the importance of asking for permission before using things that don't belong to them and taking responsibility for their actions.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: Jamela exhibits creativity by transforming the fabric into a dress. This highlights the importance of self-expression and imaginative play.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to explore their creative sides through drawing, crafting, or any form of artistic expression, fostering individuality and problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: Community and Forgiveness
Explanation: The community's reaction to Jamela's situation illustrates the values of understanding and forgiveness when mistakes are made.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of supporting each other in a community and the power of forgiving others when they make mistakes.
Example Lesson: Consequences
Explanation: The story shows that actions have consequences, as seen when Jamela's mother discovers the fabric had been used.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that their actions affect others and teaches them to consider the consequences before acting.