Children welcoming a new student at a Himalayan school during Dharma class with a singing bowl
Aarna and Iris' Big Task
Aarna and Iris' Big Task
Average Rating: 5.0
Country: India (Sikkim)
Ages: 5–8
Author: Reshma Thapa Gurung
Publisher: Pratham books
Illustrator: Saikia Pankaj
Story Source: StoryWeaver

About The Story

This gentle story, set at the foot of the Himalayas in the Indian state of Sikkim, follows young Aarna and Iris as they make the new student feel at home. From the moment they are assigned the task, they think of creative ways to help him settle in. Readers get a subtle but rich glimpse into local traditions, culture, and climate—the looming Mount Kanchenjunga, clouds drifting in, the sound of singing bowls, and the aroma of a local curry. The author has skillfully woven in the five senses—sight, smell, sound, touch, and taste—giving young readers a sensory-rich experience.

Themes

Family & Friends
Community
Culture & Tradition

Sub Themes

New student
Singing bowls
Stories from the Northeast,India
Caring & Sharing
Kindness and empathy

Parent-Teacher Guide

Learning Outcome

  • Understand the importance of welcoming new classmates
  • Recognize how sensory details help us connect with a place and its people.
  • Appreciate the cultural richness of regions like Sikkim.
  • Reflect on how small acts of kindness can ease big transitions.

Lesson Plan

  • Using the story of Aarna and Iris, children will explore inclusion, friendship, and regional traditions.
  • They will be encouraged to engage their five senses in identifying key details from the story and their own lives.

Activities

  • Sensory Mapping Activity: Children create a '5 Senses' chart listing what they see, smell, hear, touch, and taste that day.
  • Welcome Card Design: Design a card or drawing for a new student in school.
  • Sikkim Culture Snapshot: Show images of Sikkim—mountains, food, clothes, singing bowls—and talk about what makes it unique.
  • Sound of Singing Bowls: Play a short clip of Tibetan singing bowls. Ask: How does it make you feel?
  • Compare Traditions: Students share something from their own culture or family and describe how it looks, sounds, or smells.

Story Discussion Guide

Before reading

  • Have you ever been the new student in class? How did it feel?
  • What do you notice first when meeting someone new?
  • What kinds of food or smells remind you of your home or family?

During reading

  • What are some things Aarna and Iris do to help Norgay feel welcome?
  • What sights, sounds, and smells are mentioned in the story?
  • What must be Norgay’s feelings whilst he was being shown around the school?

After reading

  • Which sensory moments from the story did you like best?
  • Why is it important to help someone feel at home?
  • What traditions do you celebrate that others may not know about?

Applicable Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 4: Quality Education

Encourages social-emotional learning and understanding of regional cultures.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

Promotes inclusion and support for newcomers

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Celebrates the culture and traditions of mountain communities

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