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Two Homes in Omar's Heart
Two Homes in Omar's Heart
Average Rating: 5.0
Country: USA, Palestine
Ages: 8-10
Author: Ibtisam Barakat
Publisher: Room to Read
Illustrator: Melquea Smith
Story Source: Literacy cloud

About The Story

Moving to a country different from one’s origin can be pretty stressful. Whilst people look forward to better opportunities in their newly adopted country, the move can create a roller coaster of emotions. Leaving behind familiar surroundings, loved ones and adapting to a new culture, language, and work or school culture can be an overwhelming experience. Children too, are affected, although most of them adapt pretty soon. Especially if there is an understanding and helpful friend, mentor and guide, such as the one who arrived in Omar’s life to help him realise that his new home can be a wonderful place to live in, after all.

Themes

Displacement
Social & Emotional Learning

Sub Themes

Parent-Teacher Guide

Learning Outcome

  • Understand that people may move to new places for reasons like war, natural disasters, or safety.
  • Learn that someone can love more than one home
  • Recognize how to be welcoming and kind to children who are new
  • Reflect on the emotions involved in leaving one’s homeland and starting over

Lesson Plan

  • A story-led classroom discussion and creative reflection on migration and belonging. Children engage in role-play and empathy-building exercises to appreciate what it means to move, adjust, and be welcomed.

Activities

  • Draw Your Two Homes: Children imagine two places they love—real or imaginary—and draw what connects them.
  • Letter to a New Friend: Children write a short welcome note to a new classmate, including things that might help them feel at home.
  • Empathy Walk: A simple guided role-play where children imagine arriving in a new place where they don’t know the language or customs. How would they want others to treat them?

Story Discussion Guide

Before reading

  • What do you think it feels like to move to a new place?
  • Have you ever had to say goodbye to a place or people you love?
  • What would you take with you if you had to move?

During reading

  • Where is Omar from, and where has he moved to?
  • How do you think he feels in his new home?
  • What helps Omar feel better?

After reading

  • What does Omar learn about having two homes?
  • How would you make a new friend feel welcome in your classroom or neighborhood?
  • What do you think Omar misses the most from Jericho?

Applicable Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 4: Quality Education

Encourages inclusive learning environments by promoting empathy and understanding.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

Highlights the emotional realities of migration and the need to reduce inequality and bias in host societies.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

Promotes peaceful coexistence and inclusion, especially for children affected by conflict or displacement.

Comments

Comments

  • Well-written and beautifully depicted!
    Every migrant can relate to the context and every child is reassured that in time they will soon find their new home.

    A bigger font size will make for an easy read. Thank you!

    soniya Mawani

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