Another Day on Your Foot and I Would Have Died
on Goodreads (12)
What’s inside...
This anthology features the best poems from five of the most popular contemporary poets and they are complemented by drawings from Colin McNaughton.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
111 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the title of the book means? How do you think the character feels?
Why is it important to respect and take care of the things and creatures around us?
How would you feel if you were in the same situation as the character?
What are some ways we can show kindness to others, even if they are different from us?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone or something in need? How did that make you feel?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the feelings and perspectives of the characters by asking them how they might feel in similar situations.
Utilize the book’s themes to discuss the importance of empathy and kindness. Relate these topics to real-life experiences and scenarios your child may encounter.
Promote an open dialogue by sharing your own thoughts and interpretations of the story, and encourage your child to ask questions and express their ideas.
After reading, propose a creative activity like drawing a scene from the book or writing a letter to the main character. This helps deepen their understanding and personal connection to the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Through the story of an ant narrowly escaping from being stepped on, children see the world from a smaller creature's perspective.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to consider how their actions affect others, even smaller or seemingly insignificant beings.
Example Lesson: Importance of communication
Explanation: The ant communicates its plight to the human character, highlighting the importance of speaking up.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to express their needs and feelings clearly and assertively in various situations.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: The book illustrates how the child's innocent action almost led to harm, teaching that every action has a consequence.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to think about the results of their actions before they act, fostering a sense of responsibility.
Example Lesson: Respecting all forms of life
Explanation: The child learns to be mindful of other living beings around them, promoting a respect for all life.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be cautious and caring towards animals and insects they encounter in their environment.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: When faced with the dilemma of almost stepping on the ant, the child figures out how to avoid it, showcasing problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand the importance of quickly assessing situations and finding solutions to avoid harm.