7 Children’s Books About Sikh Faith and Culture

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The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats was a groundbreaking book in that it featured a Black child as its main character. I remember, with fondness, seeing a main character that I could relate to in that way. As a primary teacher and now teacher-librarian, I love to see children connect with the characters in a variety of ways. Working in a city with a large Indian population (with many belonging to the Sikh faith), it’s important for me to share books featuring South Asian characters. Here are some of my faves about Sikh Heritage or written by Sikh authors.

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Children's books about Sikh faith and culture.
 

The Many Colors of Harpreet Singh
Author: Supriya Kelkar
Illustrator: Alea Marley

Harpreet expresses his feelings with the colors of his patka; bright, happy colors! One day, his family moves to a new state. Feeling uneasy about his new surroundings, he wears sad colors - blues, greys, and even white so that he can feel invisible. His parents can’t cheer him up. Will he ever be his colorful self again?

Themes: moving/relocation, feelings, friendship

Hair Twins
Author: Raakhee Mirchandani
Illustrator: Holly Hatam

If you like Hair Love by Matthew Cherry, Hair Twins is worth a look!  This father-daughter duo bond over their daily hair routine.

Themes: identity, hair, family, traditions, religious customs

What is a Patka?
Author: Tajinder Kalia
Illustrator: Yuribelle

Mohan gets a lot of questions about his patka which he proudly wears every day. In this simple book, young children will learn who wears a patka and why. The book includes step-by-step instructions in tying a patka.

Themes: identity, hair, religious customs

Super Satya Saves the Day
Author: Raakhee Mirchandani
Illustrator: Tim Palin

Satya’s superhero cape is at the dry cleaners and she is convinced that she can’t have a super day without it. She discovers that her strength/power doesn’t come from her cape, but from her own abilities.

Themes: superheroes, bravery

Fauja Singh Keeps Going
Author: Simran Jeet Singh
Illustrator: Baljinder Kaur

A true story about Fauja Singh, a long-distance runner that broke the world record when he ran a marathon at 100 years of age! Learn about the obstacles he faced and the source of his grit.
 
Themes: growth mindset, perseverance, disability

A Lion’s Mane
Author: Navjot Kaur
Illustrator: Jaspreet Sandhu

The story begins with the question, “Do you know who I am?” The main character is a Sikh boy on a journey of self-discovery through the metaphor of a lion’s mane. It also explains how the lion is symbolized in other cultures. Children will learn that we are all different, but also alike.

Themes: identity, acceptance

The Garden of Peace
Author: Navjot Kaur
Illustrator: Nana Sakata

This book is an allegory to explain the birth of Sikhism. It calls for readers to become citizens of change. It’s a bit complex; it will require unpacking to get the full historical meaning. The author’s note will help with this.

Themes: Sikhism, activism, social justice

ONE MORE ADDITION!

My Name is Saajin Singh
Author: Kuljinder Kaur Brar
Illustrator: Samrath Kaur

Saajin loves the sound of his name, but on the first day of school his teacher mispronounces it. His classmates follow her lead and Saajin assumes that it must be how his name is pronounced outside of his home (after all, teachers know everything!) Even so, Saajin does not like it. When his parents learn what has been happening, they remind him that everyone makes mistakes, (including teachers), and that it is okay to correct them.

Themes: identity, Sikhism

Vaisakhi

Vaisakhi is a Sikh harvest festival that originated in the Punjab region of India. It is celebrated on April 13th or 14th in Sikh communities around the world. Sikhs also remember the birth of the Khalsa order in 1699 which is a significant event in the history of Sikhism.

Recognize Vaisakhi with this informative 8-page mini book which includes:

  • basic facts about Vaisakhi

  • the history/background of Vaisakhi

  • bhangra facts

  • the 5 Ks of the Sikh Faith

  • popular foods

  • a maze for children to complete

  • a prompt for children to list what they’ve learned

  • a corresponding Google Slide version

You can find this resource in my TPT Store and BP Shop.

Informative Websites

If you’re interested in learning more about the Sikh faith and culture, check out these websites:

Any must have books for my school’s collection? I can’t say no to more books! Any other helpful resources? Please share your faves with me in the comments below.

 
 
Sikh Heritage Children's Books
 

10 Inspiring Picture Books about Women in STEM

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March is known as Women’s History Month and I’d like to share children’s books that feature women who have made important contributions to the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (S.T.E.M.) Of course, these accomplishments should be celebrated year-round and not limited to a particular month!

Innovation Press released a series entitled, Amazing Scientists that highlight 4 women that have overcome the odds. The books were written by Julia Finley Mosca and illustrated by Daniel Rieley. Each rhyming tale includes a biography and a note from the scientist.

The Doctor with an Eye for Eyes: The Story of Dr. Patricia Bath

Dr. Patricia Bath felt that girls could do anything that boys could do. Her family’s doctor and friend inspired her to become a doctor.

Besides being poor, Dr. Bath faced other obstacles because she was Black and a girl. Dr. Bath chose ophthalmology as her focus. She became a professor and taught and trained hundreds of students ophthalmology. Dr. Bath learned about lasers and developed a laser probe that removed cataracts from patients’ eyes. 

The Girl who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin

Early on, Dr. Temple Grandin’s family noticed that she was unique. They discovered that Temple had a condition called autism. When she went to school, she was bullied by the other students. Temple’s mother sent her to visit her aunt’s ranch. 

She enjoyed life on the farm because she got along well with the animals, especially the cows.
Temple went to college and earned degrees in animal science. She learned that the way cows and other animals were transported caused them pain, stress, and fear. She invented devices that kept cows calm at slaughterhouses. Soon her designs were built on many farms.

The Girl with a Mind for Math: The Story of Raye Montague

Raye Montague once saw a submarine on display and she decided to become an engineer.  Black students could not take engineering courses. Instead, she studied business. 

Raye found a job as a typist in the US Navy. She watched the engineers closely and learned their jobs. Eventually, Raye got a job as a computer systems analyst. The president asked the navy to build a ship. It can take up to two years to design one, but Raye completed the design in eighteen hours. She was the first person to design a ship by using a computer. As a Black woman, her White male bosses took credit for her work. Raye later became a professional engineer. 

The Astronaut with a Song for the Stars: The Story of Dr. Ellen Ochoa

Dr. Ellen Ochoa’s family often faced racism and discrimination as immigrants from Mexico. This made Dr. Ochoa work hard to succeed. As a child, Dr. Ochoa learned to play classical flute. 

Dr. Ochoa earned degrees in electrical engineering. She was inspired to become an astronaut, too. In 1993, she boarded the space shuttle Discovery for her first space mission and became the first Latina in space. She even played her flute aboard the shuttle. She later became Director of the Johnson Space Center – the first Hispanic and second woman to become director.

I had the opportunity to work with Innovation Press over the past few years. They sent me these great books for free and I created resources for my TPT store. These resources are all free! Each resource includes a biography, a comprehension check, a graphic organizer, and 6 posters (3 in color, 3 in black and white). Click on the images below to grab them.

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6 Boo-rific Books and Halloween Reading and Writing Fun

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I've compiled a list of some of my fave Halloween picture books. These stories have amazing illustrations and although some of them aren't necessarily Halloween stories, they do tie in well with the theme.

This post contains affiliate links.

 
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Crankenstein
Author: Samantha Berger
Illustrator: Dan Santat

When faced with frustrating situations, Crankenstein becomes a very cranky little boy. We all can be a Crankenstein sometimes!

 
 
 

Creepy Carrots!
Author: Aaron Reynolds
Illustrator: Peter Brown

Jasper the rabbit loves carrots and to his dismay, some creepy carrots begin to stalk him. They are determined to keep Jasper from eating them. Be sure to check out the sequel - Creepy Pair of Underwear!

 
 
 

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bat!
Author: Lucille Colandro
Illustrator: Jared Lee

This book is part of a series based on There was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly. This old lady swallows a bat, a cat, a ghost, some bones, and more - much to the delight of kids.

 
 
 

How to Catch a Monster
Author: Adam Wallace
Illustrator: Andy Elkerton

A little kid plays the role of a ninja in the school play. Feeling emboldened and ready to face his fears, they plan to trap the monster in their closet. Great lesson in the end. Perfect opportunity to create monster traps as a fun S.T.E.M. challenge.

 
 
 

Monster Trouble
Author: Lane Frederickson
Illustrator: Michael Robertson

Winifred isn't scared of monsters, but is literally tired of them because they will not let her sleep. She struggles with fatigue during the day. This clever and resourceful girl is determined to find a way to chase away the monsters.

 

Room on the Broom
Author: Julia Donaldson
Illustrator: Axel Scheffler

A kind witch and her cat are flying around as they usually do, but strong winds cause items to fly off the broom. During each pit stop to retrieve their item, a new friend wants to hop on their broom. Is there room on the broom?

 
 

LITERACY ACTIVITIES

Take a look at the following resources - writing prompts, non-fiction reader, chapter book response, and a poem.

 
 
 
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12 Must Have Books for the First Weeks of School

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Planning for the first week of school?  Take a look at my list of back to school read alouds for the first weeks of school.  Read alouds are a great way to prompt classroom discussions, set expectations, introduce themes, and calm fears and anxieties. Your students are sure to love these diverse, touching, and fun stories.

This post contains affiliate links.

 
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All Are Welcome
Author: Alexandra Penfold
Illustrator: Suzanne Kaufman

As the title states, this story lets your students know that no matter who they are, where they are from, what they look like, or who they worship, they are welcome in your class and school. 

Themes: Celebrity diversity, inclusion
Activity: Discuss how we can make others feel welcome. Display these posters.

First Day Jitters
Author: Julie Danneberg
Illustrator: Judy Love

This has been my first day read aloud for many years.  Only a few of my students seem to understand the twist that the person that is scared about their first day at a new school is actually the teacher!  I definitely will be very jittery on the first day and I’m sure my students will be, too. 

Themes: First day of school, confronting fears
Activity: Discuss our own first day jitters.  Take a look at this blog post with another activity.

David Goes to School
Author: David Shannon
Illustrator: David Shannon

Oh David!  The David series has always been a hit.  My students are flabbergasted by David's antics and find them hilarious.
 
Themes: School rules and responsibilities, self-regulation, character education. 
Activity: Have students brainstorm a rule and what it would look like if they did and did not follow it.  Try this sample activity from my Rules, Relationships, and Responsibilities resource in my TPT Store and BP Shop.  

Our Class is a Family
Author: Shannon Olsen
Illustrator: Sandie Sonke

I mean we take care of each other, eat together, play together, read to each other, celebrate our successes, encourage each other, go on trips together...we are a family!  Relationship building is key this year.

Themes: Family, community
Activity: Have students compare and contrast themselves with a partner.  You could also have students complete All About Me booklets and share with the class (TPT Store or BP Shop).

School’s First Day of School
Author: Adam Rex
Illustrator: Christian Robinson

A newly built school is the main character of this story.  He’s nervous about his first day of school because he doesn’t know what to expect.  He experiences a few highs and lows, but overall really enjoyed his first day and is eager to have everyone return.  

Themes: New experiences, anxiety
Activity: As a class, brainstorm a list of things that happened in the school day (e.g. centers, recess, PE class, lunch, national anthem, assembly, arrival, dismissal, etc.)  Have students choose one event, draw a picture of it, and write about the event from the point of view of your school. 

Sick Simon
Author: Dan Krall
Illustrator: Dan Krall

Sick Simon is a funny story that we know all too well.  Simon loves going to school so much that he will not miss a day even when he’s sick.  This year especially students will have a greater understanding of the importance of spreading germs and proper hygiene.  

Themes: Germs, hygiene
Activity: Check out this blog post with activities, tips, and a freebie.

The Day You Begin
Author: Jacqueline Woodson
Illustrator: Rafael López

This story is about being in a new place and feeling like you don’t belong.  Children are encouraged to appreciate who they are, find their voices, and share their stories. 

Themes: Similarities and differences, acceptance
Activity: I like playing getting to know you games like, “Find Someone Who…”  I created a slideshow version where my students mixed and mingled to find classmates who shared their interests.  This year I will try, “Stand if your fave season is summer/fall/winter/spring.”  Check out the fish tank themed and ice cream themed games in my TPT Store or BP Shop.

The Most Magnificent Thing
Author: Ashley Spires
Illustrator: Ashley Spires

In this story, the little girl has a great idea to make the most magnificent thing, but when it comes to making it, she is faced with challenges.  She quits, but then calms down and returns to her project with a renewed mindset and ultimately succeeds. 

Themes: Growth mindset, perseverance, creativity, it’s okay to make mistakes
Activity: Ashley Spires has written another book about resilience, The Thing Lou Couldn’t Do. My growth mindset resource was created to use with both of these stories. Get it in my TPT Store or BP Shop.

The Pigeon HAS to Go to School
Author: Mo Willems
Illustrator: Mo Willems

In my humble opinion, Mo Willems is a must in any primary class.  The Elephant and Piggie, Knuffle Bunny, and Pigeon series are the best.  Pigeon is anxious and has plenty of excuses for not going to school.  Who needs it?!

Theme: Anxiety
Activity: As a class, create a list of all of the things we love about school.

We Don’t Eat Our Classmates
Author: Ryan T. Higgins
Illustrator: Ryan T. Higgins

Penelope Rex has a hard time making friends at school.  Unfortunately it’s because Penelope is a dinosaur and her classmates are delicious humans!  Once the tables are turned, Penelope learns her lesson.

Themes: Making friends, golden rule
Activity: Discuss as a class how to be a good friend.

Your Name is a Song
Author: Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
Illustrator: Luisa Uribe

This beautiful picture book is perfect for the beginning of the school year.  The little girl doesn’t want to go to school because her teachers and classmates mispronounce her name. Her mother teaches her about the rhythm and musicality of names from different cultures. 

Themes: Identity, names, culture
Activity: Have students share their names as a song. Do word work activities using their names. Take a look at this book companion.

You’re Finally Here!
Author: Mélanie Watt
Illustrator: Mélanie Watt

This is another first day of school selection for me.  I read with tons of expression to let students know that bunny and I have been anxiously awaiting their arrival.  

Themes: Impatience, punctuality
Activity: Post this sign on chart paper and ask students a question like, “Where have you been?” or “What took you so long?”  I’ve asked students to respond on post-its, but lately I’ve been writing everyone’s responses on the chart paper.


Any must haves for my collection? I can’t say no to more books! Please share your faves with me in the comments below.

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Fun and Easy Tips for Teachers: Keeping Your Classroom Germ-Free

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“But I want to go to school!”

Heard that before?! You’re likely a parent trying to convince your sick child to stay home from school. Picture a child with a flushed face, stuffy nose, and irritated throat just INSISTING that they’re fine.

As sweet as it is to know how much kiddo loves going to school, THIS MUST END!

Dan Krall captures this scenario in his cute and funny picture book, Sick Simon.

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I want to go!!

Simon is a boy that insists upon going to school, even though he’s sick. I mean, it’s the place to be, right?! He is looking forward to a great week. Each day with snot dripping from his nose, Simon unwittingly spreads his germs on the school bus, in his classes, during snack, on a field trip, and on the playground at recess. By the end of the week, the entire student body and Simon’s teacher are sick. Confronted and congratulated by his germs, who of course can talk and are pleased with Simon’s handiwork, Simon learns that he has been spreading germs by not washing his hands, not covering his mouth, and sneezing on everything. Much to his germs’ dismay, Simon begins to practice good hygiene and gets lots of rest. He recovers from his cold and heads back to school a changed boy.

Classroom Activities

I shared this book with my first graders in the hopes that they see how germs easily spread in spite of our best efforts. I created activities to tie it into my Language Arts program.

Reading Comprehension

We practiced identifying the characters, setting, problem, solution, and the beginning, middle, and end. We also made connections, sequenced, and recapped the story.

 
Sick Simon Reading Comprehension
 

Writing

I had my students give advice to Simon, all the while hoping that they would internalize that advice! I also added a Spin a Story activity to our writing center. The idea is to spin a virus and spin a location and write a story about what happened. I also added how-to writing prompts and story writing picture prompts.

Glitter Germs Experiment

Their favorite activity was the Glitter Germs Experiment which demonstrates the spread of germs amongst classmates. Glitter makes everything better (for them, not me.) Here’s a quick synopsis.

  • Add different colors of glitter to hand sanitizer bottles (one color per bottle) and have students rub the sanitizer on their hands.

  • Then, they shake hands with classmates to “exchange” glitter.

  • Next, they try to remove the glitter by first using a dry paper towel, then washing their hands with water, and last washing with soap and water. They observe how effective each step was.

Definitely eye-opening! If only germs were that visible to the naked eye!

Sick Simon Germ Hands
 
Sick Simon Glitter Germs Experiment
 
A heading that reads: Top Tips for a Germ-Free Classroom

Here’s to keeping our classrooms germ-free (as much as possible!)

1. Remind parents of the school policy. In my beginning of the year newsletter and often throughout the year, I encourage parents to keep their child at home until they are feeling better. Although it should be obvious, I figure they can’t get mad at me when I send children that are sick to the office for a phone call home. I’m aware that some parents unfortunately can’t take time off of work. What’s the solution? We’ve all seen children come to school super sick or heavily medicated. They’re suffering and in no condition to learn!

2. Teach students how to wash their hands properly. This is key! Make sure children are washing their hands thoroughly (both sides and in between fingers) with soap for at least 20 seconds. Many have suggested singing “Happy Birthday” to pass the time. It’s also important that they know when to wash their hands - after using the restroom, after playing outside, after coughing, sneezing, or blowing their nose, after handling the class pet, and before eating.

3. Keep hand sanitizer in the classroom. Students love using this when first introduced. Might be a good idea to encourage the use of hand sanitizer before reading a book, using shared school supplies, or classroom toys.

4. Have tissues readily available. I purchase facial tissues with my classroom budget and sometimes request donations from parents. Children can cough or sneeze into a tissue or blow their nose with it. Remind students to throw out their soiled tissues right away and to wash their hands. Gotta love spotting a used tissue on the floor or carpet and no one claiming it!

5. Show students the best way to cough and sneeze. When someone coughs or sneezes, the germs spray through the air. Show them how to cough or sneeze into their elbow if they don’t have a tissue handy. When they cough or sneeze into their hand, chances are they touch something on their way to wash their hands - doorknob, desk, chair, counter, faucet knob, etc.)

6. Highlight germ hot-spots and ensure regular cleaning. Remind students not to put their mouth on the water fountain and to keep their fingers or objects like their pencil out of their mouth. Other germy objects include pencil sharpeners, stairway railings, recess equipment, P.E. equipment, desks, chairs, computer mice and keyboards, tablets, light switches, door handles, faucet handles, toys, shared tools, and pet cages. Where possible, these should be cleaned often.

There you have it! That’s how I use the story of Sick Simon to introduce a quick health unit on germs and hygiene. Be sure to grab the book and a free sample of my Sick Simon unit which is available in my TPT Store and BP Shop.

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I’d love to hear how you keep your classroom “germ-free”!

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Teach Kids History with Empathy: Learning about Residential Schools

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In the 1800s, the Canadian government ignorantly believed that Indigenous people were uncivilized.  In an effort to assimilate them into European/Canadian culture, children were taken from their homes and brought to residential boarding schools run by different religious groups.  Many children were harmed by being separated from their families, being forbidden to speak their languages, malnutrition, and abuse of all kinds.  The last residential school closed in 1996.  Today, many Indigenous communities are still suffering from this horrific legacy. 

If you are introducing your elementary students to the history of residential schools in Canada, these read-alouds are perfect starting points.

This post contains Amazon Affiliate links.

 
 

Shi-shi-etko
Author: Nicola I. Campbell
Illustrator: Kim LaFave

Shi-shi-etko is a little girl counting down the days until she has to go to a residential school.  She spends those days with her father, mother, and grandmother who each share words of wisdom.  Shi-shi-etko soaks up her surroundings to store as memories for when she is away.  This story is more of a poetic account with very rich descriptive language.

Shin-Chi's Canoe
Author: Nicola I. Campbell
Illustrator: Kim LaFave

Shin-chi's Canoe is the sequel to Shi-shi-etko.  In this story, Shi-shi-etko returns to a residential school with her little brother Shin-chi.  She tells him to remember his surroundings just like she did.  At school, they have English names and cannot speak to each other.  Months of skimpy meals, chores, church, school, and loneliness have Shin-chi longing for home.  He spends his time at the river with his toy canoe, anxiously waiting for the salmon to return.  When the salmon return, it signals the start of spring and time to go home.

When I Was Eight
Authors: Christy Jordan-Fenton & Margaret Pokiak-Fenton
Illustrator: Gabrielle Grimard

When I Was Eight tells the story of Olemaun, an eight year old Inuit girl who in spite of her father's objections, wants to go to the "outsiders' school" so that she can learn to read like her older sister.  As soon as she arrives at the residential school, her hair was cut and she was given uncomfortable clothes.  Olemaun, her Inuit name, was changed to Margaret.  Instead of learning to read, she was given many chores and had to attend church.  After some time, she finally began her studies.  Not knowing how to speak English, she was ridiculed and punished for her misunderstandings.  Olemaun did her best not to break under the supervision of a cruel and harsh nun and in the end she learned to read!  The story is based on the experiences of one of the authors, Margaret Pokiak-Fenton.

Not My Girl
Authors: Christy Jordan-Fenton & Margaret Pokiak-Fenton
Illustrator: Gabrielle Grimard

Not My Girl is the sequel toWhen I Was Eight.  In this follow-up, Olemaun returns home from her residential school and her mother declares, "Not my girl!"  Olemaun is now ten years old, her long hair was cut, and thin due to malnourishment and hard chores.  She learned a lot at school, had table manners, could say her prayers, and speak in both English and French.  But she could no longer speak her own language.  Her favourite foods were now unappetizing, she couldn't help around the house, and her best friend from school could not play with her anymore.  Olemaun feels like she isn't a part of the family and has to relearn her language and way of life.

When We Were Alone
Author: David A. Robertson
Illustrator: Julie Flett

In When We Were Alone, a little girl  notices things about her grandmother - her colourful clothes, long hair, how she speaks in Cree, and how she often spends time with her family.  Her grandmother explains how as a child in a residential school, many things were forbidden.  When they were alone, she and other children would try to keep their culture alive.  Now that she is older, she cherishes the customs that officials tried to erase.

Stolen Words
Author: Melanie Florence
Illustrator: Gabrielle Grimard

In Stolen Words, a little girl asks her grandfather to say something in Cree, but he can't remember.  He says that he lost his words a long time ago; they were taken away.  He sadly recalls angry teachers that raised their voices and hands at the children.  Determined to help, the little girl gets an Introduction to Cree book to give him back the stolen words.

Bonus! I recently found new stories and wanted to add it to this post.

The Orange Shirt Story
Author: Phyllis Webstad
Illustrator: Brock Nicol

Phyllis’s Orange Shirt
Author: Phyllis Webstad
Illustrator: Brock Nicol

 

Phyllis Webstad shares her experiences in The Orange Shirt Story.  Phyllis couldn't wait to attend St. Joseph's Mission so that she could join her cousin and friends and hopefully make new friends.  Like many families, Phyllis went shopping for back to school clothes and picked out a bright orange shirt.  She happily wore her shirt on the first day of school and was devastated when her clothes were taken away.  She was given different clothes to wear and begged for orange shirt, to no avail.  Phyllis tried to make the most of her year at school, but felt lonely and homesick.  She went home that summer and never returned.  People across Canada now recognize Phyllis' story and honour residential school survivors on Orange Shirt Day, September 30.  Phyllis felt that she didn't matter, but we affirm that every child matters. Phyllis’s Orange Shirt is a shorter, simplified version of the story.

 

Orange Shirt Day Mini Book

Recognize Orange Shirt Day with this informative 9-page mini book. Find it in my TPT Store or BP Shop. Proceeds from the sale of this resource will be donated to an Indigenous charity. The resource includes:

  • intro to Orange Shirt Day

  • history/background of Residential Schools

  • see/think/wonder prompt

  • Phyllis and her orange shirt

  • Orange Shirt Day

  • design an orange shirt

  • secret message activity

  • a prompt for children to list what they’ve learned

  • a corresponding Google Slide version

Residential schools are a sad reality of our nation's past, but their legacy have caused great harm to Indigenous communities.  Born and raised in Canada myself, I was unaware of this part of Canadian history.  I understand that it's a heavy and emotional topic and one that requires sensitivity; it cannot be ignored.  Educating our students, even younger ones is an important part of the truth and reconciliation process. 

 
 
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