Salma and the Orange Trees | A Story of Memory and Imagination

Salma surrounded by floating oranges that become drums, clowns, and balloons

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PARENT-TEACHER GUIDE

Salma and the Orange Trees

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Country: Indonesia

Author: Haya Mansour

Illustrator: Gada Jermy

Ages: 5-8

Publisher: Majdalawi Masterpieces

Story Source: Literacy cloud

About The Story

Millions of people worldwide are forced to leave their homes due to war, poverty, natural disasters, or political unrest, seeking safety and hope in foreign lands. Salma, a young refugee, captures the heart of this struggle. She misses her home and her beloved orange tree, a symbol of comfort and belonging. To cope, Salma draws an orange tree, imagining its fruits turning into gifts of happiness, warmth, and hope that brighten her difficult days. Sadly, despite their resilience and contributions, refugees often face rejection. Today, governments worldwide are enacting stringent laws to curb immigration, viewing immigrants as a burden or a problem. Refugees like Salma leave their home not by choice but out of necessity. " How do you think we should respond to these victims of circumstances?" Read these other touching stories about refugees, Two Homes in Omar’s Heart, Hammam’s World and The Unexpected Friend.

Themes

Inclusion

Health & Wellbeing

Sub Themes

Homelessness

Displacement

Empathy and kindness

Hope in adversity

Parent-Teacher Guide

Learning Outcome

Explore how memories can bring comfort during difficult times.
Understand how art can be used to express emotions and cope with change.
Build empathy for children experiencing displacement or longing for home.
Recognize imagination as a strength that helps us navigate challenges.
Engage with symbolic thinking and storytelling through drawing.

Activities

1. Memory Tree : Children draw or create their own special tree and fill it with things they miss or love.
2. Orange Transformations : Art activity where each child imagines something an orange could turn into.
3. Feelings Collage : Use magazine cutouts to make a collage of things that bring joy or comfort.

Story Discussion Guide

Before reading

Have you ever missed a place or a person?
What would you draw if you wanted to remember something special?
Why do you think memories are important?

During reading

Ask: What do you think the oranges will turn into next?
Observe how Salma uses art to express her feelings.

After reading

Why did Salma miss the orange tree so much?
How did drawing help her feel better?
What would you do if you were in Salma’s place?
What object reminds you of something happy?

Applicable Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 3 — Good Health and Well-being

Supports emotional well-being and adaptation through creative expression.

SDG 4 – Quality Education

Encourages learning through art and emotional literacy.

SDG 10 — Reduced Inequalities

Reflects the experience of displaced children and promotes empathy and inclusion.

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