Zola Gets Hearing Aids
#1 in Zola's Adventures Series
What’s inside...
Zola has a hearing problem and is apprehensive about visiting the doctor to check her hearing. She fears wearing a hearing aid and how her friends might react to it at school. Despite her great sadness and frustration, she musters the courage to visit the doctor. 'Zola Gets Hearing Aids' is authored by Narita Snead, who has experienced hearing loss herself and aims to support and represent children with similar challenges.
Discussion points
How do you think Zola felt when she first tried her hearing aids?
Why do you think it's important for Zola to have hearing aids?
Can you think of a time when you needed help with something like Zola does?
How do Zola's friends and family support her with her hearing aids?
What would you do if you were a friend of Zola?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story and relate to their own experiences. Pause the reading at key moments to allow your child to absorb and think about what Zola is going through. Reinforce the message that everyone is unique and that being different is okay. Highlight how Zola’s hearing aids help her communicate and participate more fully in her world.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Zola's journey to getting hearing aids introduces young readers to the concept of hearing impairments, fostering empathy by showing the challenges and adjustments Zola faces.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be more considerate and understanding towards peers who might have different needs or disabilities.
Example Lesson: Adaptability and Resilience
Explanation: Zola adapts to her new hearing aids, demonstrating resilience in the face of change.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to embrace their own challenges and changes, whether they are starting a new school, moving to a new city, or learning to use a new tool or aid.
Example Lesson: Importance of Seeking Help
Explanation: Zola’s experience highlights the importance of seeking help when facing difficulties, as she benefits greatly from getting hearing aids.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to ask for help when they’re struggling, whether academically, emotionally, or physically.
Example Lesson: Awareness and Inclusion
Explanation: By portraying a character with a hearing impairment, the book raises awareness about inclusion and promotes the acceptance of diversity.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding in everyday life by including all peers in their activities, regardless of any differences.