Chatting
Olly and me Series
on Goodreads (40)
What’s inside...
You can chat with friends or the cat, in the park or the supermarket, face to face or on the telephone. With warmth and humor, Shirley Hughes portrays the many applications one simple word can have. A companion to 'Giving', 'Bouncing' and 'Hiding'.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-4
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you think about the characters' conversations in the book? Which one was your favorite and why?
How do you think the characters felt during their chats? Can you describe a time when you felt the same way?
What do you think makes a good friend? How do the characters in the book show good friendship?
If you could ask any of the characters a question, what would it be and why?
How can we use some of the lessons from the book in our daily conversations?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressions and voice modulation to mimic the characters while reading to make the conversation come alive.
After discussing each key question, share a personal story from your life that relates to the themes discussed to deepen the connection and understanding.
Encourage your child to draw a picture of their favorite scene from the book, then discuss why they chose that particular scene.
Link discussions to real-life events or upcoming social interactions your child might have, emphasizing how dialogue can help resolve conflicts or build relationships.
Praise your child for their insights and contributions to the discussion to boost their confidence in expressing their thoughts and opinions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of communication
Explanation: The story showcases characters who solve problems and misunderstandings through open conversations.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to express their thoughts and feelings clearly to friends and family, fostering better relationships.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Characters in the book often step into each other’s shoes, which helps resolve conflicts.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to consider others' feelings and perspectives, aiding their social interactions and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: The characters achieve goals by working together, highlighting the benefits of collaboration.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by engaging in team activities at school or in sports, learning the value of cooperation and mutual support.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters take responsibility for their actions, leading to personal growth and positive outcomes.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of being responsible in their daily tasks, such as homework and chores.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: The story encourages thinking outside the box through creative solutions to problems.
Real-World Application: Children learn to use their imagination to overcome challenges, fostering creativity that can be applied in both academic and play activities.