My Day with the Panye
What’s inside...
In the hills above Port-au-Prince, a young girl named Fallon is determined to carry a large woven basket to the market like her mother. She tries to balance the panye on her head as her mother does but finds it challenging. With lyrical storytelling and vibrant illustrations, 'My Day with the Panye' captures the beauty of Haiti and highlights the cultural tradition of carrying panye. The book also explores themes of family legacy and hope for the future, and includes an author’s note about the global practice of carrying panye.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-9
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think carrying the panye symbolizes in the story?
How do you feel about the relationship between Fallon and her mother in the book?
What did you learn about Haitian culture from this story?
How does the community in the story help each other?
What qualities do you admire in Fallon and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to convey the emotions of the characters, helping your child connect more deeply with their experiences.
Pause at key moments in the story to ask your child how they think a character is feeling, encouraging them to empathize with the characters.
Discuss the cultural aspects presented in the book, perhaps comparing them to your own family traditions to foster a deeper understanding.
Highlight Fallon’s perseverance and discuss with your child any challenges they face and how they might overcome them.
After reading, encourage your child to draw a scene from the book they found memorable, using it as a springboard for further discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience and perseverance
Explanation: In 'My Day with the Panye', the protagonist, a young girl, learns to balance the panye (a traditional Haitian basket) on her head like her mother. Despite initial struggles and failures, she persists until she masters the skill.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace challenges and keep trying even when tasks seem difficult, promoting perseverance in their everyday tasks and learning activities.
Example Lesson: Cultural appreciation
Explanation: The story is set in Haiti and incorporates elements of Haitian culture, such as the panye, traditional markets, and local foods. The narrative is rich with cultural references that highlight the uniqueness of Haitian traditions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect cultures different from their own, fostering a global mindset and encouraging inclusivity within diverse communities.
Example Lesson: Family bonds and roles
Explanation: The relationship between the girl and her mother is central to the story, showing how family members teach and learn from each other. The passing down of the panye balancing skill symbolizes the passing down of tradition and knowledge.
Real-World Application: Children can recognize the importance of family relationships and the roles different family members play, enhancing their appreciation for their own family traditions and interactions.
Example Lesson: Self-confidence
Explanation: As the girl learns to balance the panye, her confidence grows. The story highlights her journey from doubt to self-assuredness as she accomplishes her goal.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of self-belief and confidence in achieving personal goals, which can be applied in schoolwork, sports, and other areas of interest.
Example Lesson: Importance of effort and practice
Explanation: The repeated attempts and practice sessions the girl undertakes play a crucial role in her eventual success with the panye.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that effort and regular practice are essential to mastering new skills, encouraging them to apply diligence in their studies, hobbies, and other pursuits.