Sindi and the Moon | Story About Starting School & Emotional Wellbeing

Young girl talks to the moon before her first day of school in Sindi and the Moon.

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PARENT-TEACHER GUIDE

Sindi and the Moon

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Country: South Africa

Ages: 3–5

Author: Zanele Dlamini

Publisher: Book Dash

Illustrator: Wesley van Eeden

About The Story

Sindi is a little girl who lives on a farm with her family and Gogo. When she finds out she’s going to school for the first time, she’s unsure and a little afraid—will she be allowed to sing and dance like she does at home? That night, she asks the moon for reassurance. The moon gently tells her that school will be full of learning, fun, and new friends—and she’ll still be able to sing and dance. With this comfort, Sindi walks into school with confidence and joy, ready to embrace her new journey.

Themes

Social & Emotional Learning

Family & Friends

Sub Themes

Starting school

Fear of the Unknown

Parent-Teacher Guide

Learning Outcome

Recognize and name feelings such as excitement and nervousness.
Understand that school is a place for learning, friendship, and self-expression.
Explore how imagination and storytelling (like talking to the moon) can help ease fears.
Appreciate the role of family and nature in emotional support.

Activities

1. Moon Messages: Children draw a picture or write a message to the moon about their own feelings.
2. Role Play: Act out Sindi’s first day at school using props or puppets.
3. Sing and Dance Time: Invite children to sing or move to a rhythm, just like Sindi.
4. Draw Your Feelings: Let children illustrate how they felt before a new experience and how they felt afterward.

Story Discussion Guide

Before reading

Have you ever felt nervous about starting something new?
What were feelings at starting school?

During reading

How does Sindi feel when she hears she’s going to school?
What do you think the moon will say to her?
What do you notice about Sindi's expression in the pictures?

After reading

Did Sindi feel better after talking to the moon?
What helped her feel ready for school?
Who or what helps you feel better when you’re worried?

Applicable Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 3 — Good Health and Well-being

Sindi’s emotional wellbeing is nurtured through reassurance and connection, modeling how children can manage anxiety and seek comfort.

SDG 4 – Quality Education

The story encourages positive associations with early education, easing the transition to school for young children.

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