OYISA AND THE GIANT TREE

A young girl joyfully climbing and swinging on a large leafy tree that grew from seeds she once disliked

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PARENT-TEACHER GUIDE

Oyisa and the Giant Tree

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Country: South Africa

Ages: 3–5

Author: Jade Mathieson

Publisher: Book Dash

Illustrator: Chantelle & Burgen Thorne

Story Source:

About The Story

Oyisa finds a small seed and plants it with love and curiosity. Over time, she watches it grow into a magnificent tree that gives shade, shelter, and joy to everyone around. This gentle story introduces young children to the wonder of nature and the power of nurturing something small into greatness. It reminds us that children everywhere share the same curiosity and wonder for living things.

Themes

Environment & Conservation

Health & Wellbeing

Social & Emotional Learning

Sub Themes

Fruits

Seeds

Tree Cycle

Parent-Teacher Guide

Learning Outcome

Learn how seeds grow into plants and trees, and why they're vital for our planet.
Understand the concept of food cycles and the role of nature in producing what we eat.
Develop an appreciation for what is often discarded or disliked.
Reflect on how nature surprises us when we take care of it.

Activities

1. Fruit & Seed Exploration: Bring in a variety of fruits. Let children examine and compare the seeds inside.
2. Plant a Seed: Each child plants a fruit seed in a small pot. Chart its growth over the next few weeks.
3. Draw the Tree: Have students draw the tree they imagine growing from a single seed they once threw away.
4. Poetry Time: Share this short poem and invite students to write or illustrate their own verse:
"So many fruits and flowers in the trees"  "Some for the birds and some for the beasts"  "You may take some if you please"  "But do leave some to grow new seeds"  – Shamim Padamsee

Story Discussion Guide

Before reading

What is your favorite fruit? Do you eat the seeds or spit them out?
Why do you think fruits have seeds?
What happens to a seed when it’s put in soil?

During reading

What does Oyisa think about seeds in the beginning?
How does she react when she sees the plant grow?

After reading

How did Oyisa’s feelings about seeds change?
Why do you think the tree made her so happy?
What would happen if no one planted seeds?

Applicable Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 3 — Good Health and Well-being

Promotes a love for fruits and natural foods, contributing to a healthy lifestyle.

SDG 12 — Responsible Consumption and Production

Helps children reflect on not wasting what nature provides, even tiny seeds.

SDG 15 — Life on Land

Encourages respect for trees, biodiversity, and the natural cycle of growth.

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