Hard or Soft
What’s inside...
Acorn books provide carefully levelled non-fiction to introduce key curriculum concepts. This series introduces different properties of materials and helps to develop descriptive vocabulary. Includes notes for parents and teachers.
Why read this book
- Explores textures through engaging, sensory descriptions.
- Encourages tactile learning and curiosity in young children.
- Simple, clear language suitable for early development stages.
- Supports language skills and cognitive growth.
Age
4-8
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What are some examples of hard and soft things you can find around our house? How are they different?
Why do you think it is important to know the difference between hard and soft objects?
Can you think of a time when you had to use something hard to help you complete a task? What about something soft?
How do the illustrations in the book help you understand the concept of hard and soft?
If you could create an object, would you make it hard or soft? Why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use tangible examples from everyday life to illustrate the concepts of hard and soft, making the ideas in the book more relatable.
Encourage your child to physically touch different objects around your home to explore their textures, enhancing their understanding of the book’s themes.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child's responses to stimulate deeper thinking and engagement.
Relate the discussion to personal experiences or stories where different textures played a role, making the conversation more lively and interesting.
Praise your child’s observations and insights during the discussion to boost their confidence and encourage a love for learning.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Textures
Explanation: The book 'Hard or Soft' by Charlotte Guillain explores different materials and their textures, helping children differentiate between hard and soft objects.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by identifying and categorizing various objects in their environment based on their textures, enhancing their sensory perception skills.
Example Lesson: Developing Descriptive Language Skills
Explanation: Through vivid descriptions of textures in the book, children learn to enhance their vocabulary and use descriptive words to communicate their observations effectively.
Real-World Application: Children will be able to more accurately express themselves when describing objects they encounter in daily life, aiding in clearer communication.
Example Lesson: Encouraging Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: By presenting a variety of materials, 'Hard or Soft' invites children to explore and question the physical world around them.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to engage in hands-on learning by exploring different materials, fostering curiosity and critical thinking skills.
Example Lesson: Cognitive Development
Explanation: The thematic exploration of hard and soft concepts requires children to compare and contrast, promoting cognitive development through critical thinking.
Real-World Application: Children will learn to make comparisons and categorize items not just by texture, but by applying critical thinking to various aspects of their daily routines and learning environments.
Example Lesson: Sensory Play Integration
Explanation: The book naturally integrates sensory play, which is crucial for young children’s development. It encourages readers to touch and feel materials around them.
Real-World Application: Sensory play supports children's fine motor skills and cognitive growth. They can engage in more informed and interactive play, such as creating art with soft and hard materials.