The Sun Salutes You
on Goodreads (364)
What’s inside...
With vivid phrases and fresh dialogue, the author presents the characters of a Jamaican village. The book presents a story of life in the Jamaican countryside before the days of electricity. In spite of the tension inherent in the plot, this shows the same gaiety and zest that characterize Palmer's previous stories.
Age
9-12
Length
144 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the sun helps the earth?
What does it mean to you when the sun salutes you in the morning?
Can you think of a time when you felt like the sun was cheering you on?
Why do you think the sun is important to all the characters in the book?
How would you feel if one day the sun didn't rise? What would you miss the most?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they know about the sun and its role in our daily lives to activate prior knowledge.
While reading, pause at key moments to ask predictive questions, such as what they think might happen next.
Encourage your child to express how the book's illustrations make them feel and how they think the characters feel about the sun.
After reading, relate the story to your child's daily experiences, such as how they feel in the sun during different times of the day.
Use expressive reading techniques, like changing your voice for different characters and emphasizing moments when the sun is mentioned, to make the story lively and engaging.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: The story depicts the sun’s beneficial effects on the earth, teaching children to appreciate and care for their natural surroundings.
Real-World Application: Children learn to be mindful of their environment, promoting activities like recycling and conserving energy.
Example Lesson: Importance of gratitude
Explanation: Characters in the book express thanks to the sun for its warmth and light, highlighting the value of gratitude.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to thank others for their kindness and contributions, fostering a positive community spirit.
Example Lesson: Understanding daily cycles
Explanation: The book illustrates the sunrise and sunset, educating children on daily patterns and the concept of time.
Real-World Application: Helps children grasp the importance of routines, such as sleeping and waking times, meal times, and playtimes.
Example Lesson: Empathy and kindness
Explanation: Through the sun’s nurturing role for Earth, children see the importance of being kind and supportive to those around them.
Real-World Application: Motivates children to help their peers and family, and to be considerate of other people's feelings and needs.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and learning
Explanation: The sun’s diverse effects are explored, sparking curiosity about science and the environment.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to ask questions and seek knowledge about how the world works, boosting their interest in education and discovery.