Just Like Mama
What’s inside...
Just Like Mama is a beautiful testament to the love between mother and daughter, and especially how, in a child's eyes, a mother does everything perfectly, from cooking to playing to simply loving. There are some things that no one can do as well as a mom. With a pile of pancakes shaped like moons, and cocoa with a cloud of cream, no one can cook breakfast just like Mama. Nor garden, host tea parties, cook supper, or tuck her child into bed. No one does it just like Mama can. And in the end, nobody loves Mama just like her little girl does.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What are some ways the little girl in the story shows love for her Mama? Can you think of ways you show love in our family?
The girl in the book learns many things from her Mama. What are some things you’ve learned from our family?
How do you think the girl feels when she does things 'just like Mama'? Can you share a time when you felt proud of doing something just like someone you admire?
Mama and the girl have special traditions in the book. What are some special traditions we have in our family?
If you could add a scene to the story, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to deliver the emotional tone of the story, which can help spark empathy and understanding in your child.
Encourage your child to relate their own experiences to the story, reinforcing personal connections and enhancing comprehension.
Discuss the illustrations and ask your child how they think the characters are feeling, promoting emotional literacy.
Pause at important moments in the story to ask your child predictive questions, such as 'What do you think will happen next?' to engage their imagination and analytical thinking.
After reading, relate themes from the book to everyday life to enhance understanding and retention of the concepts discussed.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Value of Family and Tradition
Explanation: The book portrays a child observing and mimicking her mother's daily routines, emphasizing the importance of family traditions and bonding.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and participate in their own family traditions and understand the significance of familial bonds.
Example Lesson: Importance of Role Models
Explanation: The protagonist looks up to her mother as a role model, learning through her actions and words, showcasing the impact of positive role modeling.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to observe and learn from the positive behaviors exhibited by adults and other role models in their lives.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Self-expression
Explanation: The story highlights the child’s creative attempts to be like her mother, from cooking to dressing up, fostering a sense of individual creativity.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to explore their own creative expressions in various forms, whether through art, play, or daily tasks.
Example Lesson: Growth and Learning through Imitation
Explanation: As the child imitates her mother's actions, she learns and grows, understanding that it's okay to make mistakes and learn from them.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to try new activities and understand that learning often involves trial and improvement.