Elmer Takes Off
#7 of 17 in Elmer Series
on Goodreads (189)
What’s inside...
On a very, very windy day, Elmer, the patchwork elephant, reassures all the other animals and birds that he is too heavy to be blown away by the wind.
Character compass
Elmer
Discussion points
How do you think Elmer felt when he was trying to fly? What would you feel if you were in his place?
Elmer meets many different animals in the story. Which animal would you like to meet and what would you ask them?
What does the story teach us about teamwork and helping each other?
If you could invent a way to fly like Elmer, what would it look like and how would it work?
Elmer is unique because of his colorful patches. What makes you unique and special?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child to describe their favorite part of the story and why they liked it. This helps them think about the story's details and themes.
Use follow-up questions to your child’s responses to encourage deeper thinking and connection. For example, if they mention a favorite character, ask why they like that character and how they relate to them.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or adventures for Elmer, boosting their creativity and engagement with the story.
Relate themes of the book to real-life situations in your child’s experience, such as times they felt different or needed help, to deepen understanding and empathy.
Celebrate the joy of reading together by expressing enthusiasm about the story and its characters, making storytime a special and cherished moment.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Celebrating individuality
Explanation: Elmer, the patchwork elephant, shows children that it's okay to be different and that individuality should be celebrated, not hidden.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by embracing their unique traits and respecting differences in others, fostering an inclusive environment at school and in play.
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: Elmer works together with other elephants to solve problems, demonstrating the power and importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to collaborate with peers during group activities or projects, emphasizing cooperation and collective problem-solving.
Example Lesson: Creativity in problem-solving
Explanation: Elmer uses creative solutions to tackle challenges, showing how thinking outside the box can lead to success.
Real-World Application: Kids can use this approach in their daily challenges, whether it’s finding new ways to organize their toys or coming up with games that include everyone.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Persistence
Explanation: Throughout the story, Elmer remains determined and resilient, even when his plans don’t initially succeed.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to keep trying, even if they fail at first, whether in learning a new skill or playing a sport.