Tapiwa's Uncle: Do You Know Me
What’s inside...
Nine year old Tapiwa is a city girl, so when her Uncle Seka comes to stay there are lots of surprises in store. Uncle Seka has never been in a car before, has gone hunting for his food and confesses to having eaten caterpillar stew. He finds adapting to city life extremely difficult, so Tapiwa does everything she can to help him. The endearing relationship between uncle and niece make this a humorous book of great charm that gives a fascinating picture of the contrast between the traditional African way of life and the new.
Age
9-12
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Tapiwa felt when she met her uncle for the first time?
What can we learn from the way Tapiwa's uncle interacts with others?
Why is it important to know about our family members?
What would you do if you were in Tapiwa's shoes during her adventures?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in our hometown?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in Tapiwa's world, fostering empathy and understanding towards the characters.
Discuss the cultural aspects presented in the book to broaden your child’s worldview.
Use the story as an opportunity to talk about your own family stories and histories, creating a personal connection.
Highlight the importance of family, tradition, and cultural identity discussed in the book to instill these values in your child.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding different cultures
Explanation: The book explores the life and customs of a Zimbabwean family, providing insight into their traditions and daily activities.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect cultural differences in their school and community, fostering a more inclusive attitude.
Example Lesson: Importance of family bonds
Explanation: The story highlights the relationships within Tapiwa's family, especially the bond between Tapiwa and her uncle.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to value and nurture their own family relationships, understanding their pivotal role in personal development.
Example Lesson: Courage to face the unknown
Explanation: Tapiwa's adventure with her uncle involves confronting unfamiliar situations and challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be brave when facing new experiences at school or in their lives, such as making new friends or trying new activities.
Example Lesson: Learning from elders
Explanation: Tapiwa's uncle shares stories and wisdom, teaching her about life and their culture.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to listen to and learn from the experiences of their elders, whether grandparents, teachers, or community leaders.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Through the narrative, readers see the world from the perspectives of different characters.
Real-World Application: This can help children develop empathy, enabling them to understand and connect with people who have different life experiences.