Beetle McGrady Eats Bugs!
What’s inside...
During Fun with Food Week in her school science class, second-grader Beetle McGrady tries to work up the courage to eat an ant as part of the activities.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did Beetle McGrady's feelings change about eating bugs throughout the story, and what did she learn about bravery?
Why do you think Beetle was so determined to try something new, and how does that inspire you to try new things?
What would you do if you were in Beetle’s shoes at the science fair?
Can you think of a time when you were afraid to try something but ended up enjoying it?
How do you think Beetle’s friends and family helped her in her adventure?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about trying new things, relating it to Beetle’s experience.
Discuss the importance of curiosity and learning, as shown by Beetle’s journey in the book.
Ask your child to draw parallels between their own experiences and Beetle’s, promoting empathy and understanding.
Use expressive read-aloud techniques, such as changing your voice for different characters, to make the story more engaging and vivid for your child.
After reading, engage in a fun activity related to the book’s theme, like exploring new foods or a mini science fair at home.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Overcoming Fear
Explanation: Beetle McGrady faces her fear of eating bugs during a school challenge. Despite her initial hesitation, she musters the courage to try something new.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to confront and manage their own fears, whether it’s trying new foods, meeting new people, or engaging in different activities.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Beetle struggles with the idea of eating bugs, but she doesn't give up. Her determination to participate and succeed in the challenge exemplifies perseverance.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of persistence even when tasks or situations seem challenging or uncomfortable.
Example Lesson: Open-mindedness
Explanation: The book shows Beetle opening up to new experiences, which broadens her perspective and leads to personal growth.
Real-World Application: Children can understand the value of keeping an open mind and embracing diverse experiences, which can lead to learning and growth.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Beetle learns to understand and share the feelings of her classmates who are also uneasy about the challenge.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be empathetic and supportive towards others facing similar challenges or discomforts.
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness
Explanation: The story touches on how eating insects is common in many cultures around the world, providing a glimpse into global dietary practices.
Real-World Application: It helps children appreciate and respect cultural differences, especially in culinary habits, promoting a more inclusive worldview.