Lebo and Gogo’s Special Day

Lebo sits beside her grandmother Gogo, smiling with a handmade surprise

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PARENT-TEACHER GUIDE

Lebo and Gogo’s Special Day

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Country: South Africa

Ages: 5 - 8

Author: Siphosethu Zantsi

Publisher: Book Dash

Illustrator: Elizabeth Sparg

About The Story

Lebo is planning a fun day for her Gogo. She dreams of taking her to the mall, the park, to make her happy. But Gogo has an injured leg and is unable to leave the house. At first, Lebo is disappointed—but then she comes up with the perfect solution. This touching story highlights the emotional experience of aging and the importance of empathy and creativity in building intergenerational bonds. It teaches children that love, understanding, and togetherness don’t always require going far—they can be found right at home.

Themes

Family & Friends

Health & Wellbeing

Social & Emotional Wellbeing

Sub Themes

Aging

Care giving

Grandparents

Parent-Teacher Guide

Learning Outcome

Develop empathy for aging loved ones
Understand that physical limitations don’t diminish emotional connection
Recognize creative ways to spend meaningful time with family
Appreciate the importance of kindness and patience with elders
Strengthen family bonds through shared, accessible experiences

Lesson Plan

This lesson explores how children can better relate to and support elderly family members through empathy, imagination, and love.

Activities

Tea Party Role Play: Children set up a tea party in class with cards or snacks and invite a friend or elder.
Caring Journal: Children draw or write about a time they helped or cheered someone up.
Grandparent Portrait: Create art honoring their grandparents or elderly neighbors.

Story Discussion Guide

Before reading

Do you have a grandparent or older relative you spend time with?
What activities do you enjoy doing with them?
How do you think older people feel when they’re unwell?

During reading

Pause when Gogo is unable to go out—ask: What would you do?
Ask: How is Lebo feeling? How do you think Gogo feels

After reading

Why couldn’t Gogo go to the mall or park?
What idea did Lebo come up with?
How did both Gogo and Lebo feel by the end of the story?
What could you do for someone in your family who isn’t feeling well?

Applicable Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

Promotes mental and emotional well-being through intergenerational care.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

Highlights the challenges and inclusion of the elderly in everyday experiences.

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