A House Is a House for Me
What’s inside...
In 'A House Is a House for Me,' author Mary Ann Hoberman explores the concept of 'home' through a whimsical rhyming narrative that considers various places creatures and objects reside. She presents a wide array of houses, from traditional human homes to bird nests and bee hives, extending the idea to anything that provides shelter, like a glove for a hand or a pocket for a penny. The book celebrates the diversity of living spaces and the universal need for a place to call one's own, engaging children with rhythmic storytelling and playful illustrations.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-5
Length
44 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What kind of house would you build for your favorite animal and why?
Can you think of anything unusual that could be a house for something else?
How do you think the different characters feel about their houses in the book?
Why do you think a house is important for everyone and everything?
What did you learn about the different homes around us?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child to describe their own 'house' or room and what makes it special to them.
Encourage your child to draw a picture of a unique house for an animal or object of their choice, discussing the reasons for their design choices.
Use the illustrations in the book as a point of conversation, pointing out details and asking your child what they notice.
Relate the concept of homes in the book to empathy and caring, discussing how having a safe place is important for everyone.
After reading, engage your child in a creative activity, like building a small model house from recycled materials.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Categorization Skills
Explanation: The book encourages children to classify items based on where they belong, enhancing their understanding of relationships between objects and their functions.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this skill by organizing their rooms, sorting toys, or grouping similar items during play, promoting an organized and logical approach to daily tasks.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: Through the variety of houses envisioned for different objects and creatures, the book fosters creativity and imaginative thinking.
Real-World Application: Children can use their imagination to create their own unique versions of 'houses' for their toys, or even invent new environments during their creative play.
Example Lesson: Understanding of Diversity
Explanation: The book illustrates that a house can be many things to different creatures and objects, teaching children about diversity and the different needs of others.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children appreciate and respect the different living situations and environments that people and animals occupy, aiding in developing empathy and cultural awareness.
Example Lesson: Expanding Vocabulary
Explanation: The narrative introduces a variety of objects and living beings along with their respective dwellings, thus enriching children's vocabulary.
Real-World Application: As children learn new words like 'burrow', 'hive', or 'nest', they can better describe the world around them, enhancing their communication skills.
Example Lesson: Sense of Connection
Explanation: The story showcases how everyone has a place they call home, reinforcing a sense of connection and belonging.
Real-World Application: This concept can help children understand the importance of home, fostering feelings of security and belonging wherever they are.