Harry the Clever Spider at School (Collins Big Cat)
#2 of 2 in Collins big cat. Topaz, band 13 Series
What’s inside...
This humorous story follows Harry the spider to Clare's school, where the class is studying minibeasts. Displeased with his box, Harry escapes in the classroom. The fuming teacher is reconciled to Harry when he finds her lost glasses. She admits that Harry is a very clever spider. In this sequel to Harry The Clever Spider, we find out what happened when Clare took Harry to school. Turquoise/ Band 7 books offer literary language and extended descriptions, with longer sentences and a wide range of unfamiliar terms. Text type - A story with a familiar setting. Posters on pages 22 and 23 advertise Harry's services for finding lost items and remind the readers of Harry's talents. Curriculum links- Science: Living things in the environment. Ideas for Guided Reading in the back of the book provide practical support and stimulating activities. This book has been levelled for Reading Recovery. This book has been quizzed for Accelerated Reader.
Character compass
Harry The Clever Spider
The Girl
Teacher
Discussion points
Why do you think Harry the spider wanted to go to school?
How do you feel about the way the other animals reacted to Harry?
What are some of the clever things Harry did to help his friends?
How did the animals' feelings about Harry change by the end of the story?
Can you think of a time when you helped a friend like Harry did?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the characters’ actions, fostering empathy and understanding.
Discuss the importance of helping others and teamwork, relating it to their personal experiences and interactions at school or home.
Highlight Harry's problem-solving skills to inspire creative thinking in your child.
Use the story to discuss fears of being different and the value of acceptance and friendship.
Encourage your child to imagine their own ending or another adventure for Harry, stimulating their imagination and storytelling skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Harry the spider uses his cleverness to help classmates overcome challenges at school.
Real-World Application: Children can apply problem-solving by thinking creatively to handle situations in their own school experiences.
Example Lesson: Acceptance and inclusivity
Explanation: Despite his fearsome appearance, Harry wins over his classmates, teaching them acceptance.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be inclusive and accepting of peers who may seem different from them.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Harry collaborates with his new friends to solve problems, showing the power of working together.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of collaborating with others to achieve common goals in group settings.
Example Lesson: Facing and overcoming fears
Explanation: Students initially fear Harry due to his appearance but learn to face and overcome this fear.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that facing fears, especially about the unknown, can lead to positive outcomes.
Example Lesson: Value of diversity
Explanation: Harry's unique abilities are valued and recognized, reinforcing the benefits of diverse skills and perspectives.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to appreciate diverse abilities and perspectives both in themselves and others.