Hammam’s World

Child standing inside a protective bubble, representing loneliness and adjustment in a new place

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PARENT-TEACHER GUIDE

Hammam's World

Teacher's Observation

Hammam's World

Average Rating: 5.0

Country: Jordan

Ages: 5-8

Author: Munira Saleh

Publisher: Room to Read

Illustrator: Rawan Sader

Story Source: Literacy cloud

About The Story

Families affected by war, economic collapse and natural disasters, often have to leave their homes to migrate to safer places either within their own lands or sometimes to different countries to start life over. It is not easy make that move, not for the grown-ups and more so not for their children. Uprooted kids miss their homes, their friends, and even their schools. In this story Hammam is sad because he has had to move away from his home. Will he find the courage to heal, make new friends and learn to accept his new life in a strange land.

Themes

Social & Emotional Learning

Displacement

Sub Themes

Art as tool for Healing

Migration and Belonging

Parent-Teacher Guide

Learning Outcome

Understand theemotional challengesfacedbychildren displaced by conflict or disaster.
Explore how memories and art can help children process grief and change.
Identify ways communities can welcome and support newcomers.
Reflect on empathy, resilience, and how to make others feel included.

Lesson Plan

This lesson introduces the emotional journey of a displaced child through a symbolic and hopeful story.
Students are encouraged to express their own memories through art, and to reflect on how they can support new classmates who may be feeling alone or different.
Art and storytelling are used as tools for empathy and emotional resilience.

Activities

Memory Drawing: Invite children to draw a picture of a place or person they miss. Let them explain why it is special.
"Welcome to Our Class" Mural: Create a collaborative artwork where students include ideas and images that would make someone new feel welcome.
About the Hoopoe: Explore the cultural significance of the hoopoe bird in the Middle East. How does it act as a guide in the story?
Safe Spaces Journal: Students create small journals where they can draw or write about things that help them feel safe, happy, and connected.

Story Discussion Guide

Before reading

Have you ever had to move to a new place? How did you feel?
What helps you feel better when you miss someone or something?
Can pictures or drawings carry stories and feelings?

During reading

Why does Hammam draw pictures of his old home?
How do you think the drawings make him feel?
What do you think the hoopoe bird is trying to do?

After reading

What changed for Hammam by the end of the story?
How did following the bird help him?
What would you do to help someone like Hammam feel welcome?

Applicable Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

The story highlights mental and emotional wellbeing of displaced children.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

It raises awareness of the inequalities faced by refugee children in adapting to new lives.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Promotes empathy, healing, and peace in the context of post-conflict displacement.

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