Chameleon's Clever Trick
What’s inside...
The story follows the adventures of a clever chameleon who uses its unique ability to change colors to resolve conflicts and help other animals in the forest. This title is part of the Little Library programme, which includes a Literacy Kit, Numeracy Kit, and Life Skills Kit, developed to provide high-quality, indigenous books for young community members. The kits have been updated to align with new education policies and changing needs. The chameleon uses her clever tricks to get food and stay safe, despite being teased by Mouse for being different. Eventually, Mouse learns to appreciate her talents.
Age
4-8
Length
16 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made the chameleon feel like it needed to use a trick?
How do you think the other animals felt about the chameleon’s trick?
What would you do if you were in the chameleon’s place?
Can you think of a time when you solved a problem in a clever way?
What do you think is the most important lesson from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in the chameleon’s shoes, fostering empathy and problem-solving skills. Utilize pauses after each question to give your child time to think and express themselves fully. Relate the chameleon's experiences to your child's everyday life to make the themes of the story more relatable. Highlight the moral of the story and discuss its application in real-life scenarios to deepen understanding. Praise your child’s responses to build their confidence in expressing their thoughts and opinions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: In 'Chameleon's Clever Trick', the chameleon uses its ability to change colors to adapt to different situations and evade predators.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of adapting to various environments and situations, whether it be at school, home, or in social settings.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: The chameleon encounters various challenges and creatively uses its unique skills to address and overcome obstacles.
Real-World Application: This encourages kids to think creatively when faced with problems and understand that sometimes unique, out-of-the-box solutions are necessary.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Facing larger predators, the chameleon shows bravery by cleverly handling dangerous situations instead of succumbing to fear.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face their own fears and understand that being courageous is about handling situations smartly, not about the absence of fear.
Example Lesson: Self-awareness
Explanation: Through its journey, the chameleon recognizes its own strengths and limitations, which helps it to navigate through its challenges more effectively.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to understand their own abilities and limitations, enhancing their personal growth and self-confidence.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Despite numerous setbacks, the chameleon persists and develops new strategies to cope with each challenge.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of perseverance and resilience in overcoming difficulties in their own lives.