Guess What?
on Goodreads (6)
What’s inside...
Guess What? is a collection of humorous and heartwarming poems by Pam Ayres. The book covers a wide range of topics, from everyday life to the quirks of human behavior. With her signature wit and charm, Ayres offers a delightful and relatable read that will leave readers smiling and nodding in agreement. The reader is also asked to identify in the illustrations such objects as a kite, ice cream cone, scarecrow, and train.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the characters are feeling in this story and why?
Can you guess what might happen next? Why do you think so?
What would you do if you were in the character's shoes?
How do you think the story would change if it happened in our town?
What was your favorite part of the book and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive voices for different characters to make the story more engaging and fun for your child.
Pause after key events in the story to ask your child to predict what might happen next, fostering their imagination and understanding of narrative structure.
Encourage your child to draw a scene from the book, helping them connect visually and enhancing their comprehension.
Discuss the characters’ decisions and actions to guide your child in understanding different perspectives and moral judgments.
Relate themes or situations from the book to real-life experiences, making the content more relevant and memorable for your child.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Curiosity and discovery
Explanation: In 'Guess What?', children are drawn into a world of questions and answers that spark curiosity and encourage discovery.
Real-World Application: Fostering a child’s inquisitive nature enhances problem-solving skills and encourages lifelong learning.
Example Lesson: Language skills
Explanation: Through rhyming and repetitive phrases, the book helps children develop early phonemic awareness and vocabulary building.
Real-World Application: Improved language skills can boost communication abilities and confidence in school settings.
Example Lesson: Memory enhancement
Explanation: Answering the 'guess what' questions prompts children to recall previous knowledge and information, sharpening their memory.
Real-World Application: Stronger memory skills can aid in academic success and everyday tasks.
Example Lesson: Interactive learning
Explanation: The engaging question-and-answer format allows children to actively participate in the storytelling process, making learning a dynamic activity.
Real-World Application: Interactive learning experiences can lead to higher engagement and retention rates in educational settings.
Example Lesson: Joy of reading
Explanation: The playful tone and fun illustrations in 'Guess What?' make reading an enjoyable activity, instilling a positive attitude towards books.
Real-World Application: Developing an early love for reading can cultivate a lifelong habit, leading to continuous personal and educational growth.