The Ga Picture Alphabet
#1 of 3 in The Kane Chronicles Series
What’s inside...
Longlisted for the 2021 Jhalak Children's and Young Adult Prize, 'A is for Akpakpa, B is for Baa...' is a unique book that introduces the Ga alphabet through playful illustrations and stories. This book is a collaborative effort between renowned Ghanaian novelist and poet, Nii Ayikwei Parkes, and Peruvian illustrator Avril Filomeno. It serves as a fun and simple guide for children to learn the basics of the poetic and musical language of West Africa.
Discussion points
What feelings do you think each letter in the alphabet expresses in the illustrations?
Which letter's story did you find most interesting and why?
How do the images help you understand the sound and shape of each letter?
Can you think of other words that start with the same letter as your favorite page?
How might you draw a different picture for one of the letters?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading each page, ask your child to guess what illustration might represent the letter upcoming.
Pause after each letter and ask your child to describe the picture and how it might relate to the letter.
Encourage your child to trace the letters with their fingers to connect the physical feel of the letter with its visual representation.
Create a simple drawing activity after reading, where your child can draw their own interpretation of a letter.
Discuss the sounds of each letter and relate them to the child’s everyday environment to enhance their phonetic learning.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness
Explanation: Through vibrant illustrations and engaging text, 'The Ga Picture Alphabet' introduces children to the Ga language, a reflection of Ghana's rich cultural heritage.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this awareness by showing respect and curiosity towards different cultures they encounter, promoting inclusivity.
Example Lesson: Alphabet Knowledge
Explanation: The book effectively teaches the alphabet in a fun and memorable way, associating each letter with culturally significant symbols and words.
Real-World Application: This foundational skill helps children in recognizing letter sounds and forms, aiding in their reading and writing abilities.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for Diversity
Explanation: By presenting the alphabet through the lens of a specific culture, the book fosters an appreciation for diversity and different perspectives from an early age.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value diverse viewpoints, which is crucial for their social development and interaction in a global community.
Example Lesson: Memory Enhancement
Explanation: Associating letters with vivid pictures and cultural elements helps improve memory retention.
Real-World Application: Enhanced memory skills can aid children not just in academic settings but also in their day-to-day activities and learning new concepts.
Example Lesson: Vocabulary Development
Explanation: By introducing unique words associated with the Ga culture, children expand their vocabulary beyond everyday English.
Real-World Application: This expanded vocabulary can boost verbal skills, comprehension, and overall linguistic abilities, enabling better communication.