One Child One Seed
What’s inside...
Here is a counting book to widen the horizons, packed with information about the life and culture of South Africa, and accompanied by stunning, full-colour images from Oxfam's photographers. Each spread features a main photograph that follows Nothando, as she grows and harvests a pumpkin seed and contains simple counting from 1 to 10. Surrounding this are secondary images and text, containing an abundance of information about the growing of plants and crops, shopping, travelling, food preparation, family meals and much more. Cultivating, sharing, preparing. Starting with a single seed in a child's hand and leading right through to a warm, nourishing meal (with plenty for all), this colorful book offers up a satisfying story of the fruits of a communal effort. So play a simple counting game. Watch a pumpkin grow. Follow young Nothando and discover the rhythms of her daily life in this vivid portrait of one child, one seed, and the South African village in which they both thrive.
Discussion points
What are some differences you noticed between how we live and how the family in the book lives?
Why do you think planting seeds is important for the family in the story?
How did the pictures help you understand the story better?
What would you like to grow in a garden and why?
How do you think the child in the story felt when they saw their plant grow?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences by asking them about any plants or foods they recognize. Discuss the importance of nutrition and where food comes from to deepen their understanding of the book’s themes. Use the illustrations in the book to point out cultural and environmental settings, enhancing their global awareness. Most importantly, make the reading session interactive by asking questions about their feelings and thoughts on the story’s events.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Counting and Basic Mathematics
Explanation: The book integrates counting and basic math as the protagonist goes through the process of planting a seed and watching it grow.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these mathematical concepts in their everyday life by counting objects around them or helping in simple household measurements.
Example Lesson: Understanding of Agriculture and Sustainability
Explanation: The story provides a gentle introduction to how food is grown and the importance of agriculture, demonstrating the journey from seed to plant.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in a child's everyday life by encouraging participation in gardening or visiting farms to see how food is cultivated.
Example Lesson: Patience and Responsibility
Explanation: As the child nurtures the seed to a plant, the book teaches the values of patience and the responsibility involved in caring for another life.
Real-World Application: Children learn to take care of plants or pets at home, understanding that consistent care is crucial.
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness
Explanation: Set in Africa, the book exposes children to different cultures and lifestyles, broadening their worldview.
Real-World Application: This can be integrated into daily life through engaging with stories, multimedia, or people from different cultures to foster diversity understanding.
Example Lesson: Nutrition and Healthy Eating
Explanation: Through the growth of the plant into edible food, children learn about nutrition and the benefits of eating freshly grown produce.
Real-World Application: Parents can encourage their children to make healthier food choices and involve them in cooking meals using fresh ingredients.