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You are now entering the world of my thoughts.

This blog is my diary of works in progress. The only way a writer can improve upon her skill is to practice, practice and practice some more. Here, in this place of quiet peace, I pen to paper my thoughts and creativity. Welcome to my world.

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Saturday, April 14, 2012

A-Z Challenge: J is for Jambo means Hello


Title: Jambo Means Hello

Author: Muriel Feelings

Illustrator: Tom Feelings

Publisher: Puffin; July 15, 1992

Topic/Theme: Alphabet, Africa, African Culture, Swahili Language

Ages: 3 and up

Opening: A  arusi is a wedding.

Summary:
Jambo Means Hello is a fun alphabet that introduces basic Swahili vocabulary. The book gives a word in Swahili for each letter in the Swahili alphabet. The Swahili alphabet doesn't have the letters Q or X therefore only has 24 letters. Along with each word is a pronunciation key and a short paragraph telling a little bit about the word and its context in rural African society.

Resources:
Swahili is spoken widely in eastern Africa, can you find and name the countries on this map? Lesson plan that includes a word quilt activity Listen to a Swahili Folktale. Learn about Kenya. Kenyan flag and map coloring page.

Why I like this book:
This is a book I used to read as a kid. I loved it. I memorized every word and considered myself fluent in Swahili! Lol Then when the Lion King came out I was thrilled that I knew a lot of the words. The illustrations are beautiful and reflect the word of the alphabet. Just a note though, the book focuses mostly on African rural and village life and traditions.  Nonetheless, this book is a wonderful introduction to Kenyan culture and language.

3 comments:

Heather said...

It sounds excellent. Thanks for spotlighting it and bringing it to other's attention. :)

Camila Maria Evans said...

Great post! I used to read the book as well when I was younger. I'm doing a post now on going back to the motherland (read: Africa) for African Americans and writing about some of my first experiences learning about different African cultures. One of my first was with Swahili/Tanzanian culture.
Can I post a link to your blog in my post? I like the links you have so that people can continue learning about Swahili culture! (although my comp wont let me listen to the folktale! )

Ms Saba (aka Teacher007.5) said...

Thank you for visiting Camila and yes, you may link back. I'm so glad you found the post useful and resourceful :)


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