Jumping the Broom
Just for you! Series
illustrations by
on Goodreads (12)
What’s inside...
Eight-year-old Lettie describes the preparations for her sister's wedding and the day itself, a day of celebration in the slave quarters, where free time for fun is infrequent. The JUST FOR YOU!(tm) series features 24 beginning readers written and illustrated by people of color. Young readers will see themselves and their experiences reflected in these delightful books. They will read about how the characters spend their time with family and friends-at home, in school, at the park or barber shop, and other places in their community. These age-appropriate stories include books at three different reading levels. Plus, each book contains instructional-and fun-material for caregivers that targets comprehension and key vocabulary. For use with Grade 2.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the characters felt when they were preparing for the big day?
Why do you think jumping the broom is an important tradition in the story?
How do the illustrations help you understand what’s happening in the story?
What are some ways the characters show love and support to each other?
If you were at the celebration, what part would you enjoy the most?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story by asking how they would feel in similar situations.
Discuss the significance of family traditions and share some from your own family, connecting them to the story’s themes.
Use the book’s illustrations to point out emotions, actions, and setting details, enhancing comprehension and engagement.
After reading, propose creating a drawing or a small project that represents their favorite part of the book or a favorite family tradition.
Compliment your child’s responses to encourage them to share more openly, thus deepening communication and understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Family Traditions
Explanation: In 'Jumping the Broom', the story centers around a family preparing for a wedding and highlights the African-American tradition of jumping the broom. This act symbolizes the sweeping away of old cares and welcoming in new beginnings, deeply rooted in history and family values.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and continue cultural and familial traditions, understanding their historical origins and the values they represent in their communities and families.
Example Lesson: Cooperation and Teamwork
Explanation: The book depicts family members coming together, each contributing to the wedding preparations showcasing teamwork. This teaches children the significance of working together towards a common goal.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the value of cooperation in daily activities whether at school during group projects or at home when engaging in family chores or activities.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters encounter various challenges in organizing the wedding but find creative solutions to these issues, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face challenges head-on and explore solutions, skills that are applicable in overcoming obstacles in schoolwork or interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Respect for Elders
Explanation: The book shows children interacting with their grandparents and other elders, who guide them through the tradition of jumping the broom, emphasizing the respect towards older generations.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to treat elders with respect, listen to their stories and learn from their experiences, fostering intergenerational bonds.
Example Lesson: Celebrating Diversity and Culture
Explanation: ‘Jumping the Broom’ highlights African-American cultural practices, fostering an understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity among children.
Real-World Application: Children exposed to diverse cultures through stories can develop a broader perspective, promoting inclusivity and understanding of different cultural backgrounds in their own social interactions.