Have You Ever Had a Silly Idea?
on Goodreads (1)
What’s inside...
Have You Ever Had a Silly Idea? is a book by Deric that celebrates and inspires children's creative ideas, no matter how silly or goofy they might be. It is designed to be inclusive and help kids feel comfortable sharing their thoughts. The book includes a fun exercise at the end to stimulate creativity and build confidence. It is suitable for all ages as an adult-read book, or as part of a home school curriculum or independent reading for ages 5-12. Feedback from a focus group of 5th graders shows that the book is well-received, particularly for its support of young girls and its encouragement that ideas can lead to big things.
Age
4-13
Length
42 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was the silliest idea you think the characters in the book had, and why?
How did the characters react when they first heard about the silly idea? How would you react to a similar idea?
Can you think of a silly idea you've had before? What happened when you shared it with others?
How do the characters use their creativity to solve problems? Can you think of a time you solved a problem with a creative solution?
What do you think the book teaches us about the importance of imagination and creativity?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation with a personal anecdote about a funny or 'silly' idea you had as a child to make your child feel comfortable sharing theirs.
Show interest and enthusiasm in your child's responses to encourage open sharing and deeper thoughts.
After reading the book, relate the themes to real-life situations your child might encounter to help them connect with the book's message about creativity and innovation.
Ask your child to draw or craft something inspired by the silly ideas in the book, then discuss what they made and why.
Praise your child's unique ideas and thoughts throughout the discussion to boost their confidence in their creativity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Creativity
Explanation: The book encourages children to explore and express their unique ideas, no matter how outlandish they may seem.
Real-World Application: Children learn to think outside the box and can use creative thinking to solve problems and express themselves in school projects or daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Fear of Judgment
Explanation: The protagonist faces initial ridicule for their unusual ideas but learns to persist and be confident in their creativity.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to be resilient and confident in their ideas, helping them to share their thoughts without fear of criticism from peers.
Example Lesson: Value of Persistence
Explanation: Throughout the book, persistent effort leads to success in realizing a silly idea that initially seemed impractical.
Real-World Application: Encouraging children to persevere through challenges in their academic and personal lives, emphasizing that persistence often leads to success.
Example Lesson: Sharing Ideas with Others
Explanation: The protagonist shares their silly idea with friends, who initially laugh but eventually see the value and join in the fun.
Real-World Application: This promotes collaborative learning and teamwork among children, showing them the importance of sharing ideas and working together towards common goals.
Example Lesson: Celebrating Individuality
Explanation: The book highlights how different ideas, no matter how silly, can contribute to unique outcomes that everyone can enjoy.
Real-World Application: This can help children appreciate the uniqueness in themselves and others, fostering an environment of acceptance and diversity.