All by Myself
Cambridge reading Series
What’s inside...
When the baby elephant asks her mother to let her gather the leaves from the high branches in the tree, the mother elephant thinks of a clever way to assist her while still letting her young one get the job done. Every day Maya's mother picks leaves for breakfast with her long trunk. Then one day Maya decides she wants to pick the leaves-- all by herself! One little elephant plus one tall tree can only mean one big problem. Luckily, Maya's mother thinks she just might have the answer. A warm and reassuring look at a plucky little elephant who is determined to start growing up.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What are some things that you like to do all by yourself, just like the character in the book?
How did the character feel when they were able to do things on their own? Can you relate to those feelings?
What is something new you would like to try doing by yourself?
Why is it important to learn to do things by yourself?
How do you think practicing doing things by yourself helps you grow?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to connect personal experiences with the character’s journey, enhancing empathy and self-awareness.
Praise your child’s efforts and achievements in doing tasks independently to foster self-confidence.
Use examples from the book to discuss the value of perseverance and trying new things, even when they seem challenging.
After discussing the book, plan a small activity where your child can apply the concept of doing something by themselves, reinforcing the theme of independence.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Self-reliance
Explanation: Throughout the book, the protagonist tackles everyday tasks independently, demonstrating self-reliance.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by attempting to manage small tasks on their own, such as tying their shoelaces or cleaning up their toys, fostering independence and confidence.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The character in 'All by Myself' encounters various challenges but finds creative solutions on their own.
Real-World Application: Children learn to think critically and develop solutions for obstacles they face in school or while playing, enhancing their problem-solving capabilities.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: In the story, the young character persists in accomplishing tasks even when they are difficult.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to keep trying in the face of difficulties, whether it’s learning a new skill or mastering a subject at school.
Example Lesson: Growth mindset
Explanation: The narrative shows the character's progression and learning from initial failures to eventual success.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to view challenges as opportunities for growth and to believe in their potential for learning and improvement.