[(Milne & Shepard : When We Were Very Young (Hbk) )] [Author: A A Milne] [Nov-1991]
#1 of 14 in Winnie-the-Pooh Series
on Goodreads (1,638)
What’s inside...
When We Were Very Young, the first of A. A. Milne's four world-famous books for children, was first published in 1924. With its companion volume Now We Are Six, the little books became two of the biggest bestsellers in publishing history. Children all over the world have heard about the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace; the three little foxes who kept their handkerchiefs in cardboard boxes; and, of course, Christopher Robin, named for A. A. Milne's son. Adults and older children will enjoy Milne's poems too, as some of his humor is subtly directed at a more sophisticated audience. But younger children are the ones who love the naughty Mary Jane and the bears on the corners of London's streets. For sheer delightfulness the children's rhymes of A. A. Milne are in a class by themselves, with their charm, humor, and understanding -- to say nothing of their irresistible rhythms.
Discussion points
What do you think about the different characters' adventures in the book?
Which poem was your favorite and why?
How did you feel when reading about the characters' joyful moments?
Can you think of a time when you felt similar to any of the characters in the book?
If you could ask the author one question about the book, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive read-aloud techniques to capture the rhythm and mood of the poems, making the reading experience more immersive and enjoyable.
After reading a poem, ask your child to draw a picture of what they imagined, helping connect visual creativity with literary content.
Encourage your child to describe their favorite characters or scenes in their own words, fostering narrative skills and personal expression.
Discuss the settings of the poems, asking your child how they imagine the places might look, sound, or feel, enhancing their sensory and observational skills.
Relate themes or scenarios from the book to your child's everyday experiences, making the content more relevant and comprehensible.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of curiosity and exploration
Explanation: The playful poems encourage children to explore the world around them with a sense of wonder and adventure.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to ask questions and learn about their surroundings, enhancing their observational and cognitive skills.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship and social interactions
Explanation: Characters in the poems often interact with each other, showcasing cooperation and friendship.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value and nurture relationships, improving their social skills and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Embracing uniqueness and individuality
Explanation: Each poem celebrates different aspects of life and characters, encouraging children to appreciate diversity.
Real-World Application: This helps children to be more accepting of differences in others and to be confident in expressing their own uniqueness.
Example Lesson: Creative expression through language
Explanation: The use of rhythm, rhyme, and playful language throughout the book stimulates creative thinking and linguistic skills.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to engage in storytelling, poetry writing, or other creative endeavors, fostering a love for language and arts.
Example Lesson: Joy in simple moments
Explanation: The poems capture the beauty and simplicity of everyday moments, teaching children to find happiness in small things.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and find joy in daily activities and the world around them, promoting a positive attitude and mindfulness.