Summary
In the book, Saffron Ice Cream, tells the story of a young girl named Rashin who is excited to visit the beach for the first time in her family’s new home. Rashin reminisces about visiting the beach back in Iran, her home town. Rashin describes the life in Iran and the certain customs and rules for the beach, such as the dividing swimming curtain for men and women at the beach. As Rashin and her family go to the new beach, she discovers new exciting things that she enjoys.
Theme(s):
Cultural Differences, Friendship, Family
Personal Response
I really enjoyed reading this book because it reminds me of summer and going to the beach. This book was playful and easy to understand. I enjoyed learning about the main character’s beach trips in Iran. It was so interesting to learn that they separate their beaches for men and women, so the women have the freedom to take off their scarves. Through this book, I was able to learn more about the different customs and traditions in Iran.
Teaching Ideas
I would use this book for a read aloud at the end of the school year because it relates to summertime and going to the beach. One teaching idea is to have students use a Venn diagram to compare and contrast the two beach trips. As an extension activity, students can research more facts about Iran and their traditions. Also, students can draw a picture of the similarities of the beaches that were shared in the story. As a stem activity, we could make different ice cream flavors!
Recommended Reading Level
Birth-PreK, Grade 01, Grade 02, Grade 03
