Lesson 1 - Get to Know
the Book
The Grown-Up Scoop
These first lessons are all about discovering this amazing book. Use this time to not only read it, but to start diving into the themes and details of the story!
Below are links to download the Book Pack Plan and Study Guide for Kaya’s Heart Song. Feel free to use these to explore the book on your own, or as a guide to follow along with as you travel through the sections.
Before You Read
To get started, share this short story summary with your child(ren):
Fascinated with her mama’s singing, Kaya learns that, like her Mama, she has a heart song. On her way out to play, she follows a butterfly that takes her where she has never been before. She sees a friend guarding a door. Behind the door is a carousel of elephants. Wanting to ride them, Kaya pulls vines from the elephants and begins to hear her heart song, and her dream soon comes true.
Now, sitting comfortably with your child(ren), show them the front and back covers of the book. Then ask questions, like the following, to stimulate their thinking, to encourage them to read, and to create wonder.
Are You Ready?
Begin each lesson with an African A-GO and A-MAY exercise to bring child(ren) to attention.
A-GO: Means “Are you ready to listen in silence?” (Explain the meaning and have them repeat the word.)
A-MAY: Means “Yes, I am ready to listen in silence and you may begin.” (Explain the meaning and have them repeat the word.)
Before Reading Questions:
If I asked you what you were known for, what would be your answer? Are you an athlete or reader? Do you enjoy gymnastics or bicycle riding?
Have you ever been happy about something? What was it? How did your stomach feel? How did your heart feel?
Why do you think that we have trouble listening sometimes?
Read the Book
When you are ready, read the book with your child(ren. Remember to have fun with it!
After You Read
After reading, review the story and its details by asking more questions to your child/children.
Post Reading Questions:
Who had a heart song at the beginning of this book?
Does Kaya have a heart song? Why or why not?
What did the butterfly do in the book?
Who is Pak? What is Pak doing?
What does Kaya discover when she visits Pak?
Did Kaya find her heart song? How?