Lafloofa the Cabbage Worm

Lafloofa the Cabbage Worm Parent and Teacher Guide

A simple story told from the perspective of Lafloofa, a worm who lived happily inside a green cabbage, enjoying its delicious leaves. However, her life is turned upside down when she wakes up to the sound of children happily shouting about the cabbage dish, followed by the sound of the outer leaves being peeled apart. Soon, the mother discovers Lafloofa and calls her children to see her.

Lafloofa is filled with fear as Kareem, Youssef, and Hana eagerly stare at her. The mother tries to reassure Lafloofa and gives her a cabbage leaf to eat. Hana suggests naming the worm “Dodo,” which makes Lafloofa angry. She tries to introduce herself, but of course, no one can hear her.

Each child then proposes a risky way to handle Lafloofa: Kareem wants to put her in a cup of water, while Hana suggests placing her in a candy box. At this point, the mother gently intervenes, reminding the children to respect small creatures and not harm them, which reassures Lafloofa a little. However, as soon as the mother leaves, Lafloofa is shocked to find herself in a closed glass jar.

Terrified, she comes up with a plan to escape by pretending to be sick and weak. Her plan works, and the children decide to release her into the garden.
Finally, Lafloofa finds a new home among other worms and feels happy once again, though she amusingly discovers that many of them are also called “Dodo”!

Main Themes

• Kindness toward animals and small creatures: Teaching children the importance of treating vulnerable beings with care.
• Empathy and understanding others’ feelings: Highlighting Lafloofa’s fear to help children develop emotional awareness.
• Freedom and the natural environment: Emphasizing the significance of living in one’s natural habitat.
• Creativity in problem-solving: Showcasing Lafloofa’s cleverness in escaping her predicament.
• Friendship and belonging: Reinforcing the joy of finding a community and making new friends.

Questions for Discussion

• What do you think about the idea of keeping an insect or a worm as a pet? Have you ever considered something like that?
• If you had to choose a name for a worm like Lafloofa, what would you name it? And why?
• Has anyone ever called you by a name you didn’t like? How did it make you feel?
• If you were a friend of the children in the story, what would you suggest they do with Lafloofa?
• Have you ever been in a situation where you had to come up with a quick solution, like Lafloofa? What did you do?
• If you were in Lafloofa’s place, would you come up with a different escape plan? What would it be?
• How did you feel when Lafloofa finally returned to nature and met her new friends?
• Do you think Lafloofa will return to the cabbage, or will she stay in the garden? Why?
• Have you ever been in a situation that made you feel scared or nervous like Lafloofa? What happened?
• What makes you feel safe and comfortable when you’re scared?
• If you found a worm or a small creature in the garden, how would you treat it?