Dani Binns: Brilliant Builder
Dani Binns Series
What’s inside...
Dani Binns embarks on an imaginative adventure where she transforms into a brilliant builder. Alongside her trusty crew, she navigates the challenges of constructing a new community center, discovering her passion for building and teamwork. The book is part of the Dani Binns mini-series by Lisa Rajan, aimed at developing readers with challenging vocabulary and literary language. Collins Big Cat supports every primary child on their reading journey with books that are banded for guided and independent reading and include reading notes, comprehensive teaching support, and engaging activities in the back.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-4
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Dani Binns loves most about building?
How do you feel when you create something on your own?
Can you think of a time when you had to solve a problem like Dani did?
What would you build if you had all the tools Dani had?
Why do you think teamwork was important in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences by asking them about times they've built or created something.
Discuss the importance of perseverance and creativity, highlighting how Dani Binns solves problems during her building projects.
Use open-ended questions from the list provided to promote critical thinking and deeper understanding of the story's themes.
After reading, consider a small hands-on building project in your home that you and your child can do together to bring the themes of the book to life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: Dani Binns showcases teamwork by collaborating with others on a construction site to successfully complete a building project.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of working together with classmates or friends to achieve a common goal, enhancing their cooperation and social skills.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Throughout the story, Dani encounters various challenges in construction and uses creative thinking to solve them.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think critically and creatively when they face obstacles, whether in their academic tasks or in everyday situations.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Dani continues working on the builder project despite facing setbacks, demonstrating resilience and determination.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to persist in their endeavors, be it completing a difficult homework assignment or learning a new skill, regardless of the challenges they encounter.
Example Lesson: Importance of planning
Explanation: The book highlights how Dani Binns plans out the building process, which leads to effective and successful outcomes.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand the value of planning before starting any task, promoting better organization and time management skills.