Maya's Blue Kangaroo

Suggested Family Activities

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• Do your children have a favorite doll or stuffed animal? After reading together the story about Maya and her kangaroo, you can discuss the special feelings we have toward objects, toys or stuffed
• You can take a picture of your children holding their stuffed animal, print out the photograph and decorate a frame for it. The framed photograph will serve as a memento in future years and will remind your children of the special relationship they had with the doll when they were
• The illustrations that accompany the story hint at changes in the blue kangaroo’s feelings, as more and more stuffed animals join him in Maya’s bed. You can flip through the pictures with your child and ask them to describe how they think the kangaroo feels on each
• Each night before going to sleep Maya recites “I love you, Blue Kangaroo”. Even when new dolls and toys are added, she ends her recitation with the same line. How do you get ready for bed? Do you have a special bedtime song, recitation or ceremony?

• You might want to discuss with your children why they think Maya agreed to share so many toys with her baby brother, but woulddn’t give away the blue kangaroo. Do your children have toys or dolls that are easier to share, and others they refuse to part with?
• Together with your children you can look for the pictures of Maya’s baby brother. You can tell the story through his eyes, and try to think how he feels as the story
• Maya and the blue kangaroo have a special relationship, which is not weakened as new dolls are added. Do you and your children have special relationships with family or friends? You can talk about this with your children, and reinforce their confidence in your feelings toward them.
• The gifts that Maya receives throughout the story are new and shiny, while the old kangaroo is old and worn. Sometimes we too prefer things that are new and shiny, and it can be hard to decide what to give up. The story can lead into a family discussion on loyalty, weighing considerations and making difficult
• The blue kangaroo feels crowded in Maya’s bed, but many times it is warm and cozy to lie together in bed! You can cuddle up and read books together in bed, and following this story, add more and more dolls and stuffed animals. You can also sing together fun songs like “Shovavim Bamita” by Datia Ben-Dor: