A Big Turnip

Farming and gardening are fun topics for young children. From gardening, children learn about the life cycle of living organisms—for example, that plants need air, water, and sun, and that seeds need time to grow. In this book, Basma is determined to grow a very large turnip. But once she’s planted her seeds, she finds out that turnips take a very, very long time to grow. In the midst of her frustration, Basma learns to practice patience.

• Show the book to your child and ask her what she thinks the story will be about.
• Remember to read the story in an engaging manner—use your body and facial expressions to mimic what’s going on in the story.
• Discuss with your child the reasons Basma felt frustrated and the plan she made to cope with this feeling.
• Enjoy growing some legumes, such as chickpeas and lentils, at home with your child and help her develop a plan for taking care of them.

Feelings Scale Poster

This poster helps your child recognize the names of different feelings. You can play a game together of emulating feelings in front of a mirror and also mix this with other fun activities, such as:

• Ask him to imitate the pictures one by one as he looks at himself in the mirror.
• Name each of the feelings when your child imitates them and ask him to repeat the name.
• Ask him to remember a time he felt different feelings, and describe why he felt that way.
• Ask your child in which part of his body he felt the feeling. What did it feel like?
• Reverse the game—imitate the pictures and ask your child to guess the name of the feeling you are imitating.
• Name a feeling and ask your child to imitate it without looking at the picture.
• Ask your child to choose how he feels now, and to describe to what degree he is feeling it.
• If you have more than one child, ask them to play these games together.
• You can take advantage of the poster at different times, for example, when your children are experiencing strong feelings and need to express them or when you experience strong feelings and want to tell your children about them.
• You can print this poster and hang it on the fridge, so children can return to view it whenever they need to.

SEL Worksheets

This set of worksheets presents social-emotional concepts to children in fun and interesting way. Topics covered in these worksheets vary, and include: identifying and expressing feelings; coping strategies for managing strong emotions, such as anger and frustration; conflict resolution; respect for others; working memory; self-confidence; self-regulation; decision-making; making friends; and settings goals and aspirations.

These worksheets can be used with your child both at home and by teachers in schools and learning centers. Each page has a set of instructions to guide adults in helping children complete the activities.

The Biggest Wool Ball in the World

Children sometimes experience situations that make them feel frustrated, especially when they make several attempts to do something and still can’t do it. It’s important that children learn ways to manage frustration and continue to problem solve, as these are skills they will need throughout their lives. In this book, Basma must try and try again to save her purple scarf.

• Show the book to your child and ask him what he thinks the story is about.
• Remember to read the story in an engaging manner—use your body and facial expressions to mimic what’s going on in the story.
• After reading, ask your child what helped Basma solve her problem.
• Ask your child about a situation where he made a plan to solve a problem he encountered, and listen carefully to his ideas.
• As you read, perform the movements Basma does in the story with your child. Not only is this a fun activity, it also supports your child in developing counting skills and helps him learn to translate instructions into physical movements.

What's Inside the Box?

This book introduces your child to the concepts of diversity and respect for differences among human beings. It will also assist your child in discovering ways to identify objects using his senses.

• After finishing the story, ask your child: How do you think the characters felt when Ahmed figured out what was in the box? Can you name the five senses? What are the senses Ahmed used to figure out what was inside of the box?
• Ask your child to retell the story to you in his own words.
• Have a conversation with your child about the differences in human capacities and qualities and discuss how these differences make the world a more beautiful place.
• Play a game with your child similar to the one in the story. Put a group of objects in a box or under a cover and ask him to use his senses to identify each item without looking at them.
• After reading the story, ask your child to draw a scene or character from the story and allow him to hang it on the wall of his room.

Elmo Loves the Four Seasons

Children love to learn about the seasons, as changing weather raises many questions. In this book, Elmo asks Teta Noor to read his favorite book, The Four Seasons.

• Show the book to your child and ask him what he thinks the book will be about.
• Remember to read the story in an engaging manner—use your body and facial expressions to mimic what’s going on in the story.
• Ask your child the names of the four seasons and what clothes we wear in each season.
• Ask your child these additional questions: What colors do you see in the pictures? What changes have occurred in the sky and trees? Ask about the clothes of the characters on each page and whether they are appropriate for the season.
• Ask your child what season we are in? Answer his questions about the seasons.
• Later ask your child to draw one of the seasons he saw in the story.
• Tell your child that Elmo loves the book The Four Seasons. Ask him what’s his favorite book?

Raya and Elmo: Team Healthy

In this book, Raya decides to fight germs with Elmo and many friends join them. A parent or caregiver can help children develop healthy hygiene behaviors that grow into habits over time.

• Show the book to your child and ask her what she thinks the book will be about.
• Remember to read the story in an engaging manner—use your body and facial expressions to mimic what’s going on in the story.
• Sing a handwashing song with your child to help her get used to how long she has to spend washing her hands.
• As Raya says in the book, germs are very small. It’s difficult for children to imagine what they can’t see. To help illustrate the concept of germs, try this activity. Say to your child: The atoms of coffee powder are small. Let’s imagine they are germs. Now I will put a few of them on your hands, and if you touch anything, the germs will get stuck to the door, the table, etc. Imagine these are germs that will cause us diseases. Then ask your child to wash her hands with soap and water and let her watch the coffee atoms wash off with soap and water so that her hands are clean again.
• Try to make cleaning time fun with your child so she has positive associations with hygiene.

Character Cutouts

Glue these facial features of Ahlan Simsim characters on paper bags or other materials to make paper bag puppets at home.

Paint Stencils

Use these stencils to color in your favorite Ahlan Simsim characters at home. You can color in the stencils as-is or use them as guides to draw characters on walls or other outside spaces.

Our Imaginary Friends

In this book, children explore the concept of imaginary friends. Kids love to invent imaginary friends and assign special qualities to them, such as distinctive features or supernatural powers. Imagination helps children adapt to reality and relieve stress by transporting them into fantastical new worlds and adventures. Imagination is also a driving force for creativity.

• Show the book to your child and ask him what he thinks it will be about.
• Remember to read the story in an engaging manner—use your body and facial expressions to mimic what’s going on in the story.
• Tell your child some stories you have with your fictional friend and listen to his stories with his fictional friend.
• Later, if it makes him feel happy and comfortable, encourage your child to paint a portrait of his imaginary friend.

Wake Up, Mommy

Stories that do not contain text help children create dialogue and narrate scenes in their own way, supporting the development of vocabulary and imagination. In this story, as Teta Noor sleeps, her dreams change with the games that the children around her are playing.

• Show the book to your child and ask her what she thinks the story will be about.
• Show each page of the book to your child and ask her to tell the story in her own words.
• Encourage your child to imitate sounds and movements pictured on each page.
• Try out the games you see in this book using the materials you have at home.

Imagine That

Stories that do not contain text help children create dialogue and narrate scenes in their own way, supporting the development of vocabulary and imagination. In this book, our Muppet friends imagine themselves in different places on each page, making for an exciting adventure.

• Show the book to your child and ask him what he thinks the book will be about.
• Show each page of the book to your child and ask him to tell the story in his own words.
• Encourage your child to imitate sounds and movements pictured on each page.
• Try out the games you see in this book using the materials you have at home.

Letter Flashcards

These large, visual cards are a resource to help children learn their letters. Display each letter to teach children about its sound and shape. Then, play “Find the Hidden Letter.” First show him a letter card, then ask him to find that letter on tissue boxes, food boxes, or other items around the house.

Alphabet Poster

In this poster, you will find the letters of the Arabic alphabet and pictures of objects that begin with each letter. This poster helps children begin to recognize that symbols mean something before they can read. You can use this poster at home, as well as in school or childcare environments.

• Ask your child to name the things she sees in each picture.
• Ask her to recognize the first sound pronounced in each picture.
• Tell her that letters make up the sounds in words, and provide examples (for example, the first letter in her name).
• Ask her to choose one of the letters and pronounce it. Then she must search for something in the room or from her imagination that starts with that same letter.
• Reverse the game—choose one of the letters, give examples, and so on.
• You can also use this poster to do riddles and chants. For example, say to your child: Something in the board is brown and big and lives in the woods and its name begins with the letter D.
• It is helpful in all games for you to take a turn after your child’s turn, so that she knows you are also engaged.

Literacy Worksheets

This set of literacy worksheets focuses on alphabetic knowledge and word comprehension. Designed to be used semi-independently by children, they can also be used as coloring sheets.

Play with Words

This book is designed for beginner readers. In this book, children will learn words associated with different letters of the alphabet, helping them to learn to identify the letters and their sounds.

• Show the book to your child and ask him what he thinks it will be about.
• Display each page of the book and ask your child to name the things he sees.
• Play a game with your child based on the structure of this book. Ask him to choose a letter, such as the first letter of his name, and then ask him to give examples of other words that start with that letter based on memory or objects he sees around him.
• After completing the story, make a game of asking your child if he can remember the next sentence coming up after each page. This supports working memory.

Basma is so Busy

This book is designed for beginner readers. In this book, children will learn about different routines.

• Show the book to your child and ask her what she thinks the story will be about.
• Remember to read the story in an engaging manner—use your body and facial expressions to mimic what’s going on in the story.
• Ask your child to tell you what kinds of routines she has during the day.
• If she hasn’t already, ask your child to name these activities in the order in which they occur in her day.
• Help your child create a daily routine, as this helps her create plans, maintain self-reliance, and reduce stress.

Jad and Ma'zooza

This book is designed for beginner readers. Through this story, children will learn how to link objects together and identify relationships between things.

• Show the book to your child and ask her what she thinks this book will be about.
• Show each page of the book to your child and ask her to tell the story in her own words.
• Play a game with her modeled after how this story is written. Ask that each new sentence she says begins with the last word of the previous sentence.
• After completing the story, make a game of asking your child if she can remember the next sentence coming up after each page. This supports working memory.

Number Flashcards

This set of number flashcards help children learn numerals and their names.

• Play a game with your child to find objects that match the number on the card. For example, when you display the number 2, have him find objects around the room in sets of two such as “two shoes.”
• At a later time, show him the number card and ask him to look for the same number on objects around the house, such as tissue or food boxes.

Growth Chart

The growth chart is a poster that can hang on the wall at home or in kindergartens or early learning centers. It helps children develop early mathematical skills, such as counting and measurement. It also helps them gain an understanding of the meaning of growth and the changes that occur in their bodies over time.

Use the growth chart to consistently measure your child’s growth over time, and be sure to point out the changes in his height to him. You can also use the poster to demonstrate the concept that people have different heights.

This poster also includes a set of short tips with play ideas for you and your child to do at the different stages of development.

Basma The Teacher

Making a plan is a good way to deal with stress caused by strong feelings such as frustration. In this book, Basma is playing teacher with her friends but she just can’t get them to concentrate. Then she plans to use an unconventional way to teach them to count—and everyone ends up having a wonderful time.

• Show the book to your child and ask him what he thinks the story will be about.
• Remember to read the story in an engaging manner—use your body and facial expressions to mimic what’s going on in the story.
• As you read, make the moves that Basma makes alongside your child. Have fun counting with your child while jumping and spinning!
• Ask your child to create his own movements to go along with each number counted.

Tomato Dish

Inviting your child to cook with you is a great way to engage them. Children feel a great sense of accomplishment from preparing food; taking part in such tasks as helping to choose ingredients, learning to cut them (safely), and cooking them.
In this book, Basma decides to cook her favorite dish which calls for 10 tomatoes. She waits patiently for 10 tomatoes to grow, but something strange happens—each day there are fewer tomatoes! In this book, children will be exposed to mathematical concepts, such as numbers, shapes, and addition and subtraction. They will also be exposed to some early science, such as the concepts of ripe and unripe fruits.

• Show the book to your child and ask her what she thinks the story will be about.
• Remember to read the story in an engaging manner—use your body and facial expressions to mimic what’s going on in the story.
• With your child, enjoy cooking an easy dish—being sure to supervise them around safety hazards such as knives and heat.
• Talk to your child about ingredients and food preparation while you cook, as this helps her understand what’s happening while you’re cooking.

Numeracy Worksheets

These math worksheets offer a set of activities that help children to learn about: the concept of numbers from 1-10; their numerals and how to write them; and basic shapes such as circle, square, and triangle.

• Parents and teachers can use these worksheets as a set or one at a time to introduce different math concepts.
• Challenge older children to complete the activities in the worksheets on their own.
• Younger children can also use the worksheets as coloring pages, exposing them to number concepts and encouraging creativity.
• As you complete these worksheets with your child, use the imagery to teach different vocabulary words, such as animal names, plant types, and transportation methods.

Numeracy Worksheets

These math worksheets offer a set of activities that help children to learn about: the concept of numbers from 1-10; their numerals and how to write them; and basic shapes such as circle, square, and triangle.

• Parents and teachers can use these worksheets as a set or one at a time to introduce different math concepts.
• Challenge older children to complete the activities in the worksheets on their own.
• Younger children can also use the worksheets as coloring pages, exposing them to number concepts and encouraging creativity.
• As you complete these worksheets with your child, use the imagery to teach different vocabulary words, such as animal names, plant types, and transportation methods.

A Paper Plane

Making and flying kites is a wonderful activity for children. In this book, Jad feels sad after his kite falls and its colors mix, but his friend Hadi helps him cope with his sadness. Then he thinks of a way to fix it!

• Show the book to your child and ask her what she thinks the story will be about.
• Remember to read the story in an engaging manner—use your body and facial expressions to mimic what’s going on in the story.
• Make a kite with your child using simple materials you have at home. Then, help your child launch the kite.
• It’s important to validate your child’s sadness, even if the reason for it feels hard for us to understand as adults. Acknowledge that it’s ok to be sad, and help your child find a way to manage her feelings, such as taking a deep breath or remembering things that make her happy.

Welcome Ramadan

Children often anticipate celebrations and social events with great excitement. In this story, Gargur’s friends are excited to wake him up for Suhoor (the morning pre-fast meal).

• Show the book to your child and ask him what he thinks it will be about.
• Remember to read the story in an engaging manner—use your body and facial expressions to mimic what’s going on in the story.
• Discuss with your child preparations he makes for various special occasions.
• Tell your child that different religious and ethnic groups have different celebrations. This helps your child understand and respect that there are diverse ways to celebrate.

Circle of Good

Empathy and care for others are important skills for children that help them understand what others are going through and think of ways to help them. In this book, children learn what they can do to empathize with others during difficult circumstances. They will also learn new ways to help others feel better and care for them.

• Show the book to your child and ask her what she thinks the story will be about.
• Remember to read the story in an engaging manner—use your body and facial expressions to mimic what’s going on in the story.
• Discuss with your child a time when she felt that someone cared about her during a difficult time. Did that help her feel better?
• Ask your child what she can do to help her friends or family members during tough times.
• Encourage your child whenever she shows care for other people’s feelings and thank her for her kindness.

Hadi's Cooking Trip

In this book, children learn how each country has its own customs, traditions, and dishes, helping them better understand their surroundings and to respect the diversity in our world. In this story, our friends travel to see their Ahlan Simsim family and discover the names and shapes of different foods along the way.

• Show the book to your child and ask him what he thinks the story will be about.
• Remember to read the story in an engaging manner—use your body and facial expressions to mimic what’s going on in the story.
• Talk to your child about the names of the countries neighboring the one in which you live. What foods do they eat? What are some ways to travel there?
• If your child has relatives in different countries, talk to him about those relatives.
• Ask your child to imagine he is traveling to one of these countries, and ask him what he sees there.

The Gift

In this book, Jad sits down to write Teta Noor a card, but quickly falls into a deep sleep. Suddenly, something amazing happens—the markers, pencils, and ruler leave their pencil box and decide to help Jad by making the card on their own! Each writing utensil has its own idea of how to write the card. In the end, they realize they must work together to create the perfect image. Through this book children learn about empathy, teamwork, and expressing gratitude.

• Show the book to your child and ask him what he thinks the story will be about.
• Remember to read the story in an engaging manner—use your body and facial expressions to mimic what’s going on in the story.
• Encourage your child to design a card or poster for someone, such as a friend, teacher or family member, to express his thanks to them. Have fun doing this activity alongside your child.

Feelings Scale Poster

Basma and Jad can’t figure out where the sun has gone. They commission the services of Inspector Fatin to look into the matter. As Inspector Fatin begins to ask questions and gather clues, Ma’zooza—who loves to eat anything round—begins to look like a suspect! Basma and Jad use problem-solving and guessing from clues to figure out what’s going on.

• Show the book to your child and ask her what she thinks the book will be about.
• Remember to read the story in an engaging manner—use your body and facial expressions to mimic what’s going on in the story.
• Talk to your child about the humor in the story, and have her tell you what she finds funny.
• Create a similar adventure with your child, using a tablespoon as the magnifying glass, and use hats or scarves as inspector caps. Let your child drive this activity and make it a fun adventure.