We suggest that the study guide below be used in classrooms or in discussions. We have also developed a complete lesson plan for this book. Please write to us if you are interested in reviewing our lesson plan for Naji and the mystery of the dig. We would like to hear your opinion and suggestions. Please feel free to share your view with us at the end of this page.
Study projects
1. Research Persian cuisine. Go to the library or online to find about different Persian food: soups, stews, rice dishes, barbeques, etc. Select one dish from each category, print color photos, and write down the recipes of your choice.
1- The Middle East is an important region in our world. Create a map of the Middle East region, include each country’s name, capital city, and population.
2- Research how many religions are in the Middle East. Create a chart that shows major religions of that area and their sub-divisions.
3- Iran (also known as Persia) is a country with a long history. Create a time line of at least 15 notable moments in Iran’s history beginning as far back as 3000 B.C.
4- Go to the library or online to find recipes for Baghali-polo, Ahbghosht, and one other Persian food of your choice. Select the one you would like the most and with adult help, prepare this dish for friends or classmates.
5- With the help of your classmates, create a class Middle Eastern Cuisines Cookbook. In addition to the recipes, each student should write one paragraph explaining the origin of the recipe they chose.
6- Go to the library or online to find out what continent the country of Iran is located in. Who are her neighbors? How big is Iran? How many people live in Iran? What is Iran’s main source of income?
7- How important are prayers for Muslims? How often are they supposed to pray? What is the call for prayer called? Go online and record a sample of a call for prayer and play it for your classmates. Is it music?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1- Describe the main character, Naji. What was she afraid of? What did she learn?
2- How was Naji’s relationship with her parents? How was her relationship with her sister? How did she treat strangers? And why?
3- Describe the other characters of the story such as the father, the sister, the mother, the brother.
4- Was Naji’s fear of the monsters real? Were the monsters real?
5- How did Naji deal with her fear of monsters?
6- What is the sixth sense? Did Naji have a strong sixth sense?
7- Was Naji allowed to go on the street and play? Why?
8- Do you think the diggers really found a city underneath the court yard? Explain why?
9- What do you feel is the most important message of this story?
Study projects
1. Research Persian cuisine. Go to the library or online to find about different Persian food: soups, stews, rice dishes, barbeques, etc. Select one dish from each category, print color photos, and write down the recipes of your choice.
- Write a short essay on how earthworms eat, breathe, and multiply. Do earthworms have mothers?
- Draw a picture of Naji’s courtyard and house. What are the differences between Naji’s house and houses in your neighborhood?
1- The Middle East is an important region in our world. Create a map of the Middle East region, include each country’s name, capital city, and population.
2- Research how many religions are in the Middle East. Create a chart that shows major religions of that area and their sub-divisions.
3- Iran (also known as Persia) is a country with a long history. Create a time line of at least 15 notable moments in Iran’s history beginning as far back as 3000 B.C.
4- Go to the library or online to find recipes for Baghali-polo, Ahbghosht, and one other Persian food of your choice. Select the one you would like the most and with adult help, prepare this dish for friends or classmates.
5- With the help of your classmates, create a class Middle Eastern Cuisines Cookbook. In addition to the recipes, each student should write one paragraph explaining the origin of the recipe they chose.
6- Go to the library or online to find out what continent the country of Iran is located in. Who are her neighbors? How big is Iran? How many people live in Iran? What is Iran’s main source of income?
7- How important are prayers for Muslims? How often are they supposed to pray? What is the call for prayer called? Go online and record a sample of a call for prayer and play it for your classmates. Is it music?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1- Describe the main character, Naji. What was she afraid of? What did she learn?
2- How was Naji’s relationship with her parents? How was her relationship with her sister? How did she treat strangers? And why?
3- Describe the other characters of the story such as the father, the sister, the mother, the brother.
4- Was Naji’s fear of the monsters real? Were the monsters real?
5- How did Naji deal with her fear of monsters?
6- What is the sixth sense? Did Naji have a strong sixth sense?
7- Was Naji allowed to go on the street and play? Why?
8- Do you think the diggers really found a city underneath the court yard? Explain why?
9- What do you feel is the most important message of this story?
