Together We Are Sunshine

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After reading about Haala, Munira, and Sanaa’s outdoor adventures in Together We Are Sunshine, invite students to go outside for an adventure of their own. Head out to explore the schoolyard or another outdoor space, asking students to find something they have never noticed before, something that surprises them, or something they think is amazing. When you return to the classroom, invite students to share their discoveries, whether they noticed the shape of a cloud, the tiny details on a leaf, or an insect busy at work. Discuss how taking the time to look closely helps us notice wonderful things that are easy to miss.

Then, invite students to use that same care and attention to notice and appreciate what makes a classmate special. Ask students to think about the ways their classmates bring something positive to the classroom. What do they enjoy doing? How do they make others feel welcome? What is something they do that shows who they are? Have students write or draw something they see in a classmate—a talent, a kind action, a unique quality, or another way that person shines—on a paper sunray. Assemble the rays around a circle to create a sunny display to remind students to take time to look for the light in others. Let students add new rays as they continue to discover all the ways everyone shines.

Questions for Discussion or Reflective Writing

• Sanaa sees fun and magic in grass, wind, and clouds. What are some things that feel special when you spend time outside with people you love?
• Why do you think Haala feels like Munira gets in the way? What are some ways Munira adds to their adventure that Haala does not notice at first?
• Haala says Sanaa gives her some shine, and she wants to give Munira some shine too. What do you think Haala means when she talks about getting and giving shine? How can you give others some shine?
• On the title page, you can see that the names of the sisters all have meanings related to light. What are some things you think of when you think of light? What are some things about the sisters that make you think of light?
• At the beginning of the story, Haala hopes for some of Sanaa’s shine. What does Haala discover about shine at the end of the book? How do you feel when you’re together with family and friends?

Related Resources

Together We Are Sunshine Activity Sheets created by Raissa Figueroa

Mindfulness Outdoors by Conservation Nation