Lesson 1 (K-4): A letter from Chamroeun

Objectives: To help answer some questions about Chamroeun's life which children have asked when they read the book. To present more current aspects of life in Cambodia

Activities

1. Ask students to imagine their lives 20 years from now. Ask them to write a short essay describing what they think their lives will be like. In what ways might their lives be different from the way they are now? How might their families and communities change?

2. Tell students that in February 1999, after 20 years away, Chamroeun went back to Cambodia to visit his mother and sister. Tell them they will read a letter that Chamroeun wrote to students to tell them about his visit.

3. There are a range of activities teachers may choose to do with students incorporating both the text from the book and Chamroeun's letter. Some ideas might be:

• Make a timeline of Chamroeun's life. Illustrate the important events you have placed on the timeline.

• Make a play or create a dance that tells the story of Chamroeun's life.

• Write a letter back to Chamroeun telling him what you think about his life and his work.

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