When Ms. Seeger announces a fun-filled field day, Zulay surprises her classmates by deciding she’ll compete in the field day foot race. Running the track is going to take practice, perseverance, and Zulay’s belief in herself.
My Three Best Friends and Me, Zulay
Discuss the Book
Important Jobs
Pages 1–6
- Important Moment: Zulay smiles, showing her wiggly tooth. It’s loose from eating the carrots that she washed and scraped by herself.
- Ask and Share: How did Zulay get a loose tooth? It’s Zulay’s job to wash and scrape the carrots. Are there jobs you help with at home or in your classroom? Are there jobs you handle all by yourself (or will, one day soon)?
Friends Helping Friends
Pages 7–13
- Important Moment: During math, Maya checks Zulay’s work and Zulay explains the tens and ones column to Maya.
- Ask and Share: How do Zulay and Maya help each other? What are some of the ways you and your classmates help each other?
Practicing the Cane
Pages 14–21
- Important Moment: Since Zulay is visually impaired, she practices using a special cane to help her find her way. She feels like she sticks out.
- Ask and Share: How does Zulay’s special cane make her feel? Have you ever felt like you stuck out in some way? Have you ever noticed someone else sticking out? What is a nice way to handle that?
Doubt Creeps In
Pages 22–32
- Important Moment: Zulay decides to enter a foot race. She hears other kids laughing. But Zulay isn’t laughing. She’s not sure she can run the race. But she practices until she succeeds!
- Ask and Share: How was Zulay feeling when she was practicing? Can you think of a time you felt like Zulay—where something seemed tough and you weren’t sure you could do it? What are some good things to try if you’re doubting yourself?