Get Me to the Ark on Time
on Goodreads (7)
What’s inside...
A flamingo, continually interrupted by an anteater, narrates a story about two giraffes on Noah's ark who try to save a pair of turtles at risk of being left behind as the floodwaters rise. As Noah loads the ark and God closes the door, the other animals mock the giraffes for their long necks. However, in the end, their unique feature allows them to become the heroes of the day, rescuing the turtles and proving their worth.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think each animal on the ark might have felt as they boarded it?
Why is it important for everyone to be on time, especially in situations like the one in the story?
If you were to pack for a big trip like the animals did for the ark, what would you take and why?
How do you think teamwork helped the animals in the story?
What can we learn about responsibility and helping others from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Let your child lead the conversation, listen to their thoughts and perspectives, and validate their feelings about the story.
Encourage them to relate the story to personal experiences, such as a time they needed to cooperate with others or prepare for an important event.
Discuss the moral lessons in the story, and ask your child how they can apply these lessons in their own life.
Use expressive reading to keep your child engaged, changing your tone of voice for different characters and situations in the book.
After reading, consider acting out some scenes with your child to deepen their understanding and enjoyment of the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: In 'Get Me to the Ark on Time', various animals must work together to reach Noah's Ark in time, demonstrating the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by working cooperatively with their peers in group activities or team sports, learning to value everyone's contributions.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the story, characters encounter various challenges that they must overcome by brainstorming and working together, showcasing effective problem-solving.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to think critically and creatively in solving their own problems, whether in academic settings or personal scenarios.
Example Lesson: Punctuality
Explanation: The book emphasizes the importance of being on time through the urgency of reaching the ark before the flood, underscoring punctuality.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to manage their time better, understanding the importance of being punctual for school, appointments, or other time-sensitive events.
Example Lesson: Respect for Diversity
Explanation: The story features a diverse group of animals with different skills and backgrounds, promoting respect for diversity.
Real-World Application: This can help children appreciate and embrace differences in others around them, fostering a more inclusive environment at school and in the community.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Characters in the story face obstacles but continue to strive towards their goal, teaching perseverance.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to persevere in their own goals and not give up easily, be it in learning new skills, sports, or overcoming personal challenges.