Madagascar
Festivals of the world Series
What’s inside...
Describes how the culture of Madagascar is reflected in its many festivals, including Gasytsara, Alahamady Be, and Hira Gasy.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-10
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think life is like for animals living in Madagascar compared to the animals we see around us?
How do the animals in the book help each other? Can you think of a time when you helped a friend or a friend helped you?
What was your favorite part of the adventure in Madagascar? Why did that moment stand out to you?
If you could talk to any of the animals from the book, which one would you choose and what would you ask?
How do you think the story would change if it took place near our home instead of in Madagascar?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to make the story come alive. Change your tone and pace when reading about different scenes to keep your child interested.
Relate themes from the book to your child’s everyday life. For instance, discuss how teamwork and friendship portrayed in the story can be applied at school or in the playground.
Pause at dramatic moments in the story to ask predictive questions like 'What do you think will happen next?' to keep your child engaged.
After finishing the book, encourage your child to draw their favorite scene or character. This helps in deepening their connection and understanding of the story.
Discuss the unique traits of Madagascar’s wildlife and geography, emphasizing on biodiversity. This can be an educational pivot to teach them more about different ecosystems.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Value of teamwork
Explanation: In 'Madagascar', the characters often have to collaborate to tackle obstacles, showcasing the importance of working together to achieve common goals.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson in school during group projects or in sports, learning to cooperate with peers to complete tasks or win games.
Example Lesson: Embracing differences
Explanation: The diverse group of animal characters in the story, each with unique traits, highlights the beauty of embracing and celebrating each other's differences.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to appreciate the diversity among their friends and classmates, promoting inclusivity and respect.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: As the characters find themselves in unfamiliar situations, they learn to adapt to their new surroundings and challenges, emphasizing the importance of flexibility.
Real-World Application: This prepares children to be flexible and adaptable in face of new situations or environments, such as moving to a new school or trying out a new hobby.
Example Lesson: Courage and exploration
Explanation: The journey from the zoo to Madagascar involves facing fears and exploring new worlds, demonstrating courage in the face of the unknown.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of stepping out of their comfort zones, whether it's trying new foods, making new friends, or expressing their ideas in class.
Example Lesson: Importance of home and friendship
Explanation: Throughout their adventures, the characters realize that home is where their friends are, underlining the significance of relationships over physical spaces.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to value and nurture relationships, understanding that true contentment often comes from loving connections rather than material possessions.