Jeddo Khalid takes Rashid to the beach and tells him about pearl diving.
Description
Jeddo Khalid takes Rashid to the beach and tells him about pearl diving. Rashid finds a pearl shell on the shore. The story-within-a-story structure: Jeddo’s memory of diving layered over Rashid’s present-day discovery. The pearl becomes the series’ most significant object.
Linked Block
Year
EYFS1
Term
1
Block
1
Weeks
1 - 3
Anchor
Together, We Became the UAE — معًا صِرنا الإمارات
Theme
Unity, Cooperation & UAE Identity — Union Day, Flag Colours & Values, National Heritage
Intergenerational storytelling: Jeddo’s past meets Rashid’s present. The pearl is both historical artefact and personal gift. Emotional depth: Rashid’s careful handling of the pearl mirrors his careful personality. Dick King-Smith tenderness.
Cultural Theme
UAE maritime heritage as intergenerational gift. Pearl diving as lived memory, not museum exhibit. The pearl connects past (Jeddo’s generation) to present (Rashid’s generation) to future (what Rashid will do with it).
Essential Vocabulary
مَرْحَبًا
Hello
Resources
Strand 2 – Comparing and Contrasting
Using small and big; thick and thin; smooth and rough; heavy and light; slow and fast.
Introduces Jeddo Khalid and the pearl. Both become central to the Year 1 series. Rashid’s personality crystallises: careful, precise, emotionally deep. The pearl’s journey: sea → Jeddo → Rashid (Book 17) → Jeddo as gift (Book 21) → Rashid again (Book 34) → courage talisman (Book 35–36).
Book
17
A Gift from the Sea
Jeddo Khalid takes Rashid to the beach and tells him about pearl diving.
