ZAMASAMA PRESENTS
A Guide for Teachers and Parents
Written and Illustrated
by
Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
After reading this story, children will be able to:
- Understand what dyslexia is and how it can affect reading and writing.
- Recognize that people with learning disabilities can be highly intelligent and creative.
- Reflect on how unkind behavior or teasing can harm others.
- Appreciate the role of encouragement from teachers, parents, and friends in building confidence.
- Develop empathy for peers who may be struggling silently.
Discussion Questions
Before Reading
- What’s something that you’re good at? What’s something that feels hard for you?
- Have you ever made a mistake and felt embarrassed? What helped you feel better?
While Reading
- What are Abdul’s strengths?
- Why does Abdul feel frustrated or upset in school?
- How do others react to his mistakes—and how do those reactions affect him?
After Reading
- How can you support someone who finds reading or writing difficult?
- What would you say to Abdul if you were his classmate?
- Why is it important to treat all classmates kindly, even if they learn differently?
Activities
- Strengths Portrait
- Kindness Chain
- Neurodiversity Talk
- Rewrite with Support
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
SDG Explanation:
- SDG 4: Advocates for inclusive education systems that support learners of all abilities.
- SDG 10: Challenges stigma and promotes acceptance of neurodiversity and learning differences.
- SDG 3: Emphasizes the importance of emotional well-being and positive identity formation.
- Increased understanding of dyslexia and learning differences
- Reduced stigma and teasing in classrooms
- Stronger peer empathy and kindness
- Encouragement of self-belief among children who learn differently
Zamasama is a nonprofit platform that brings together stories from around the world to help children discover that beneath our differences—of culture, language, or belief—we share the same hopes, joys, and dreams.
Today’s children are tomorrow’s citizens, and the responsibility of building a more peaceful, tolerant, and empathetic world lies with them.
That’s why it’s vital to instill these values early—through stories that help them rise above the biases they inherit, and see diversity as a strength that unites us all.