Year 8 - Asha and the Spirit Bird
- Sallyann Clark
- Sep 19
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 16
Learning Objectives Covered
English:
Understand character, setting, and mood
Expand vocabulary and apply new words in writing
Write creatively and descriptively
Geography:
Identify the location and features of the Himalayas
Understand physical geography and its effects on life
Religious Education:
Understand key beliefs in Hinduism
Explore symbolism and spirituality in culture
Introduction to the Week
Welcome to our reading journey through Asha and the Spirit Bird by Jasbinder Bilan. This book follows a brave young girl, Asha, who lives in the shadow of the Himalayas and embarks on an incredible journey to find her father. Along the way, she must face fear, danger, and trust in something beyond what can be seen.
This week, we begin by exploring Asha’s home, her connection to her family, and the mysterious presence of her spirit bird.
Read chapters 1-3 (they are not very long chapters).
Reading & Vocabulary: Chapters 1–3
Answer the focus questions in your journal.
Where does Asha live? What is her home like?
What emotions does Asha experience at the start?
How does Asha describe the spirit bird (lamagaia)?
What do we learn about her family and school?
Vocabulary Builder:
Pick at least 6 of these words to define, find synonyms for, and use in your own sentence.
Himalayan
Spirit
Yearning
Sacred
Faint (as in sound)
Glimmer
Shrine
Destiny
Task:
Use 3 of the vocabulary words in a paragraph describing a mysterious or magical place.
History/Geography Spotlight: The Himalayas
The Himalayas are the tallest mountain range in the world. They stretch across five countries: India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, and Pakistan. Asha lives near this range in Northern India. The landscape is steep, wild, and often dangerous, but also deeply spiritual.
Key facts:
Mount Everest, the highest peak, is part of this range.
The region has cold winters, steep slopes, and can be isolated.
Many believe the mountains are sacred and home to gods or spirits.
Map Task
Using a blank map of India, mark where you think Asha lives based on clues from the book. Label the Himalayas and the city of Delhi (where she hopes to go).
Other Spotlight: Religion & the Spirit Bird
In the story, Asha believes her Nanijee’s spirit watches over her as a bird. This idea connects with Hindu beliefs. Many Hindus believe that after death, a soul may return in some form or act as a guide.
Key ideas to know:
Hinduism is one of the oldest religions.
Many Hindus believe in reincarnation (being reborn). Watch BBC Teach - Hindu cycle of birth, death and rebirth.
Birds are often symbols of freedom, spirit, or the soul.
A shrine is a place where people pray or make offerings — often to ancestors or gods.
Reflection Task:
What do you believe the Spirit Bird represents to Asha? Is it real, or is it part of her imagination? Does it matter?
In your own words, explain what reincarnation is.
Record your thoughts in your journal. You can write an answer, draw something or do a little of both.
Challenge of the Week
Choose one of the following:
Create a visual map of Asha’s world, showing her house, school, fields, the shrine, and the mountain. Label key places and include at least three vocabulary words in your map.
Write a descriptive paragraph about the view from Asha’s window. Use at least four sensory details (what can she see, hear, smell, feel?). Try to capture the magical mood of her surroundings.