Giraffe and a Half
What’s inside...
The book 'Giraffe and a Half' by Shel Silverstein is a humorous tale about a giraffe who accumulates various things like glue on his shoe and a bee on his knee as he goes on an adventure. The story is told in delightful rhymes and is accompanied by whimsical illustrations that add to the fun. As the giraffe collects more and more ridiculous items, he eventually loses them one by one, leading to a hilarious conclusion that will keep children entertained until the very end.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-6
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the giraffe felt when it stretched another half? Can you imagine how being different might feel?
What do you think is the most interesting part of the giraffe's adventure? Why?
If you could add a half to any animal, which animal would you choose and why?
What can we learn about friendship from the interactions between the giraffe and other characters?
How did the characters in the book help each other? Can you think of a time when you helped a friend or a friend helped you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story by asking open-ended questions. Listen actively to their responses, showing interest and asking follow-up questions to delve deeper. Relate the story's themes to your child’s personal experiences, like times they felt different or helped a friend, to make the conversation more relatable and meaningful. Use expressive facial expressions and voice modulation while discussing to make the conversation dynamic and engaging. Praise your child for their insights and ideas, reinforcing their confidence in expressing their thoughts.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of sharing
Explanation: In the book, the giraffe learns the value of sharing resources and time with friends, showcasing generosity.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by sharing their toys or snacks with peers, fostering a spirit of community and friendship.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: The giraffe encounters various obstacles but continues to strive forward, demonstrating perseverance.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to persist through their own difficulties, whether in completing a hard task or resolving conflicts with others.
Example Lesson: Creativity and problem-solving
Explanation: The giraffe uses imaginative solutions to navigate its journey, teaching children the power of creative thinking.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think outside the box when faced with challenges, whether in their playtime or homework.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The story highlights how working together can help solve problems more efficiently, as seen when the giraffe collaborates with other characters.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in group activities at school or collaborative games, teaching the value of cooperation and collective effort.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Throughout the book, the giraffe shows empathy towards friends' feelings and viewpoints.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be considerate of others' emotions and perspectives, enhancing their social skills and emotional intelligence.