Hedgehogs
Nocturnal animals Series
on Goodreads (37)
What’s inside...
When the sun goes down, nature comes to life. With big colourful photos and maps, this series gives young learners a glimpse into the world of night-time creatures. Sniffing for food, hedgehogs find tasty treats in the dark. These forest animals are adapted to life at night. Learn more about these spiny nocturnal animals in Hedgehogs by Dunn, Mary R. [Capstone Press, 2011] Library Binding [Library Binding].
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-6
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think hedgehogs do during the day and why?
How do you think the hedgehog feels when it meets new animals?
If you were a hedgehog, what kind of adventures would you like to go on?
Why do you think it's important for the hedgehog to have spikes, and how does it help them?
Can you think of a time when you felt like the hedgehog in the story? What happened and how did you feel?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading: Change your tone and pace to match the emotions and actions in the story, making the hedgehog’s adventures come alive for your child.
Relate to personal experiences: After reading, connect the hedgehog’s experiences in the book to real-life situations your child has faced to deepen their understanding and empathy.
Ask predictive questions: During pauses, ask your child what they think will happen next. This keeps them engaged and eager to see how the story unfolds.
Encourage drawing or role-play: After reading, have your child draw a scene from the book or act out their favorite part. This helps them express their understanding and interpretations of the story creatively.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: In 'Hedgehogs,' the characters often face situations requiring them to understand and share the feelings of others. This is demonstrated through interactions where they help each other overcome obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by being considerate of their friends’ feelings and learning to help them in distressful situations, fostering a supportive environment.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: The hedgehogs in the story sometimes venture into the unknown or stand up for what is right, showing bravery. This is demonstrated when they defend their territory from intruders.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to face new challenges with bravery, whether it's trying out new activities or standing up against wrongdoing in school or playgrounds.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, the hedgehogs encounter various challenges that they must think critically to resolve, often working together to come up with solutions.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically and work collaboratively to overcome obstacles, such as working out disagreements with peers or tackling difficult school assignments.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The hedgehogs often face challenges that are not easily overcome, demonstrating determination and perseverance by not giving up.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persistence in achieving goals or mastering new skills, inspiring them to keep trying in face of difficulty.