A Single Dreadlock

Discuss the title and cover image. Ask: What do you think the story is about? What do you think “dreadlock” means?

Have a circle-time discussion about how everyone’s hair is different. Ask students to describe their own hair and how they care for it. Use this to build empathy and curiosity.

Explain that Lovie, a joyful boy from Jamaica, moves to Spruce Cove, Newfoundland, with his two dads, where he struggles to adjust to a new environment. Next, show students Jamaica and Newfoundland on a map. Talk about cultural and climate differences. Discuss how a move to a new home might feel.

Use images of different hairstyles. Have students sort by texture, length, or style and introduce key vocabulary like “afro,” “braid,” “curl” and “dreadlock.”

In small groups, students brainstorm words associated with hair and create a word web on chart paper.

Before reading each page, pause and let students predict what might happen next based on the illustrations.

Use a chart with emojis or faces. Ask students how Lovie feels at different parts of the story and why.

Pause to discuss Grandma’s sayings and how they help Lovie. What does she mean by “these strands are full of love”?

Create a timeline of how Lovie’s feelings change from the beginning to the end of the story. Use drawings or facial expressions.

Ask students to find clues in the pictures or text that tell how Lovie feels even if it’s not stated directly. For example:

When the kids laugh and yank his dreadlocks at school, ask students: What do you think Lovie is feeling here?  Why do you think he pulled his hair over his shoulder?

When Lovie skips recess and won’t eat dinner, ask students: Why do you think he didn’t want to play or eat? What could help him feel better?

When Lovie hides his dreadlock the next day, ask students: Why do you think Lovie wants to hide his hair now?

When Grandma hugs him and he cries while explaining, ask students: How does grandma help Lovie to feel better?

When he walks in class with his head held high, ask students: What changed for Lovie? How is he showing confidence now?

Students draw a self-portrait and write a sentence or dictate a story about what makes their hair special.

Create a classroom chain of compliments or acts of kindness inspired by how Lovie handled being teased.

Students write (or dictate) a letter to Lovie encouraging him or sharing what they admire about his story.

Create a wall mural where each student draws themselves with their unique features and a self-affirmation message.

Create a class chart of how different students care for their hair — tools, styles and traditions. Encourage respect and diversity.

Provide dolls or yarn with different hair types and tools for brushing, braiding, and twisting.

Use string and beads to simulate decorating dreadlocks. Emphasize creativity and individuality.

Have students act out a scene from the book or make up a new one using puppets or costumes.