This Teachers’ Guide is created to accompany the picture book Ayash Grows A Family Tree and includes comprehension and analysis questions as well as practical activities that can be conducted in a classroom. LEVEL: Grades K - 5 THEMES Asian Interest, Sri Lanka, Genealogy, Diverse Books, Multicultural, Multi-generational, Family, Creative Play BOOK DESCRIPTION School projects have never been so much fun… Five-year-old Ayash has a problem: how do you grow a family tree? Help arrives in the form of his grandmother, Paatti, who, armed with a box of old photographs, gently guides the eager little boy while teaching him about his roots. A humorous and endearing tale that will become a firm family favourite! SYNOPSIS Ayash is excited about his new school project. He contacts his grandmothers for help and advice. His paternal grandmother – Paatti – sits with him and explains some of the family connections and history he has never encountered before. Ayash is confident he can complete the project on his own. He prepares a spot in his garden and attempts to grow an actual tree! Fortunately, Paatti returns in time to save the day. BACKGROUND On the surface, the story teaches children the importance of knowing your roots. It allows for parents (or grandparents) to relate some family history, especially about members who may live overseas or have passed away. The story also indirectly puts forward the idea of families of mixed-race or mixed-ethnicity. Ayash’s paternal grandmother, Paatti, is Tamil. His maternal grandmother, Archchi, is Sinhalese. (These are the two main communities living in Sri Lanka, a small island nation off the southern coast of India.) Recent Sri Lankan history saw tensions between these two ethnic groups culminating in a 30-year civil war that ended in 2009.

Description This Teacher’s Guide includes a synopsis of the story, relevant background details, activities to use before, during and after reading, craft ideas, and resources like youtube links and printable handouts. About the book: This is a collection of very short stories so you can read a page-a-day to younger children There are hundreds of books about cars, trains, trucks and various construction vehicles in the market. Have you ever heard of a tuk tuk? Roo is a little Tuk Tuk. Join Roo as he recalls the many ups and downs of his life on the roads of Colombo (the commercial capital of Sri Lanka). From road races, to Polo tournaments, to animal rescues, this little vehicle has lived life to its fullest. Experience the joys and perils of Tuk Tuks on the streets, and learn many life lessons along the way with this courageous Tuk Tuk who is always ready to lend a helping hand and spread some cheer. You are never too little to make a difference…

This is one of the short stories in the collection Yes, We Can: Stories of Empowerment for Girls Marla is questioned regarding her involvement with a boy accused of selling drugs. As the story unfolds, we realise the true details of her actions and the true identities of those interrogating her are not as they seem. The story is set in Sri Lanka. The Teacher’s Guide to the entire collection of stories is FREE to download

Environmental Studies… Social Sciences… Whatever the subject is called in your Primary school, this is a fun resource to introduce children to the wonderful world of wild elephants. The resource is taken from the children’s story book Eyesha and the Great Elephant Gathering which is set in Sri Lanka.

Fishing cats are an endangered species. This handout provides some fun but relevant facts about these fascinating wild animals. This resource is taken from the children’s picture book The Little Lost Fishing Cat which aims to raise awareness about wildlife conservation. This Teacher’s Guide includes a synopsis of the story, relevant background details, activities to use before, during and after reading, craft ideas, and resources like youtube links and printable handouts. About the book: Felena lives happily with her adopted family. However, they abandon her in a forested area when they realize it is illegal to rear endangered animals as pets. Having lived in a human household from when she was very young, Felena has to use her wits to survive. Will she learn to forage for food on her own? Or will she fall prey to a hungry monitor lizard? Will she find a new home? This book also includes Revision Questions and Fun Facts and through the entertaining story will educate children about wildlife conservation efforts in Sri Lanka.

This Teacher’s Guide includes a synopsis of the story, relevant background details, activities to use before, during and after reading, craft ideas, and resources like Youtube links. About the book: A Story of Resilience, Friendship, and Hope Vibhu (a little church mouse) and his friends are caught in the Easter Sunday bomb attack in Sri Lanka as they observe the Mass from their mouse hole. Amid the chaos, Vibhu realizes that his best friend, Seha, is missing. He makes his way through the debris and faces many obstacles in his search for his friend. The story recalls the events of that tragic day in 2019 and the aftermath of the attacks through the eyes of these little mice. We follow Vibhu as he learns to deal with tragedy, loss, and grief. We see how some step forward to assist their fellow-creatures while others hide away in fear. This book takes the reader on a subtle spiritual journey highlighting the core belief celebrated each Easter - that we live, die, and are resurrected with Jesus Christ. Suitable for readers age 8 and above

Have your students heard of tuk tuks? They are three-wheeled vehicles used in Asia. In this image, the tuk tuks are playing polo - it’s a real event! This jigsaw puzzle needs to be printed out on paper, pasted onto a board, and cut out. This resource is taken from the picture book Roo The Little Red Tuk Tuk which is a collection of very short stories set in Sri Lanka. The tales highlight the culture and way of life of people in Colombo through the eyes of this kind and brave little vehicle.

LEVEL: Grades K - 5 THEMES Asian Interest, Sri Lanka, Clothing, Customs, Diverse Books, Multicultural, Multi-generational, Empowerment, Creative Play SYNOPSIS A little girl visits her grandmother every Thursday for an afternoon of creative play. The book begins in traditional fashion with the girl and her grandmother dressing up in saris. But things change with the arrival of her brother. Wearing a Sri Lankan Devil Mask he pretends to be a monster while she grabs a sword and becomes the warrior princess. BACKGROUND Sri Lanka is a small island nation off the southern coast of India. This book celebrates both traditional and modern cultural values. It has no definite setting – the children could be locals or those of Sri Lankan descent living overseas. The girl has no name and can represent any little girl who loves to spend time with her grandmother. The book celebrates a child’s ability to bridge the gap between traditional and modern life as well as the ability to be both feminine and strong. The story encourages children to wear traditional clothes and play at being a princess while being confident and assertive enough to battle monsters along the way.