In the classroom or another area in the school, work with students to create an area that is the same size as Parvana’s (“ten regular steps one way and twelve regular steps the other way”). You might set up sheets or large pieces of cardboard for walls and include other setting features using details from the novel (pages 22–23, 36). Have groups of students enter the area to play the roles of the family members, and possibly Mrs. Weera, in a scene from the novel or an improvisation. If feasible, you might also have students take turns fetching pails of water (or similarly weighted pails) to get an idea of how arduous Parvana’s chore was. At some point in the activity, ask the groups to sit quietly in the area to reflect on how it might feel to be in that space for a year and a half without being allowed to leave. After the activity, have students write about their thoughts.
Drama; English Language Arts; Health and Life Skills; Social Studies