by Reina Chaiekh | Feb 23, 2026
The camel and the merchant travel every day through the desert. Have students work with an adult to research life in the desert, drawing on internet resources and the library. What is the desert like in the daytime? What is it like at night? How do people live, travel...
by Reina Chaiekh | Feb 23, 2026
When the Prophet confronts the merchant about the way he treats the camel, the merchant is unable to speak. Review this passage as a class. Why do students feel the merchant reacted that way? Have students write an opinion piece on what the merchant is thinking and...
by Reina Chaiekh | Feb 23, 2026
By the end of the story, the merchant and the camel have experienced a change in their relationship. The reader sees how the merchant’s behavior reflects his new attitude. For example, at the beginning of the story, the merchant “always yelled at the camel to run, so...
by Reina Chaiekh | Feb 23, 2026
The following words are used by the author to describe the camel as he travels across the desert. Have students locate the words in the book. Using contextual clues, have students define these words and identify the subtle differences between them. If appropriate,...
by Reina Chaiekh | Feb 23, 2026
This story is set in a desert. The author and illustrator do an excellent job of evoking the atmosphere of intense heat and sunlight and the hardships the camel endures. Work with the class to identify specific words and phrases that convey the impression of heat....
