Goodbye, Cricket (ELT Graded Reader)
What’s inside...
Goodbye, Cricket is a heartwarming tale of a cricket who experiences the world around him as he prepares to say goodbye to his friends and the places he loves. This story, with its vibrant illustrations, follows the cricket's journey as he reflects on the friendships he's made and the adventures he's had.
Age
4-7
Length
16 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did you feel when Cricket said goodbye? Can you think of a time you had to say goodbye to someone?
What are some ways Cricket showed kindness to his friends?
Why do you think it's important to have friends like the ones Cricket had?
How do you think Cricket felt when he made new friends?
What would you do if you were in Cricket's place?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to convey the emotions of Cricket and his friends, enhancing your child's understanding of the story's sentiment.
Pause after key moments in the story to give your child time to reflect and respond to the events unfolding.
Relate the story to your child’s own experiences with farewells and making new friends to deepen their connection to the narrative.
Encourage your child to describe what they might draw if they were to create a picture of their favorite scene, promoting creative thinking.
Discuss the value of friendships and the feelings associated with transitions, providing a safe space for your child to express their emotions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Coping with change and loss
Explanation: In the story, children encounter the theme of saying goodbye, symbolized through the character of the cricket. This helps them understand the concept of parting and loss in a gentle way.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding when they face situations like moving to a new place, changing schools, or losing a pet, helping them to cope with their emotions during such times.
Example Lesson: Resilience and emotional strength
Explanation: The narrative guides children through the cricket’s journey of saying goodbye, teaching them about resilience and the strength to accept change.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children develop emotional strength that aids them during challenging or new situations, enhancing their ability to adapt and thrive.
Example Lesson: Importance of closure
Explanation: The book illustrates the importance of closure through the cricket’s farewell, which can be soothing and necessary for emotional health.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of goodbyes and how expressing their feelings during farewells can be essential for emotional well-being.
Example Lesson: Expression of feelings
Explanation: The story encourages children to express their feelings openly, as seen by how the characters interact and say goodbye.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of communication and expressing themselves in their daily interactions with friends and family.