Hide and Shh!: A Not-So-Sneaky Sister Story About Inclusion
#1 in Not-So-Sneaky Sister Series
on Goodreads (89)
What’s inside...
Dinah, a young girl with Down Syndrome, loves to play games with her older sister, Chloe, but she's not very good at the still and quiet kind. When her not-so-sneaky efforts to get into the big kids' game backfire, Dinah realizes she might need to adapt a few of her own behaviors. In the process, she shows Chloe and her friends that there's more than one way to play.
Discussion points
How did it make you feel when the sister included everyone in the game?
What do you think it means to be inclusive and why is it important?
How can you include others in your activities, like the characters did in the story?
Can you think of a time you felt left out? How did you handle it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing a personal story where you felt included or excluded to set a relatable tone.
Praise your child for thoughtful answers, encouraging them to think deeply about inclusion.
Relate the book’s scenarios to your child’s real-life experiences to make the discussion more impactful.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child's responses to keep the conversation flowing and engaging.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Inclusion and Acceptance
Explanation: The story portrays how the protagonist learns to include her younger sibling in games, instead of excluding them based on age or ability.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by inviting peers who seem left out to join in their activities, promoting an inclusive atmosphere in school or play areas.
Example Lesson: Understanding and Empathy
Explanation: Throughout the book, the older sister comes to understand why her younger sibling wants to participate with her, leading to greater empathy for their feelings.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children recognize the importance of considering others' emotions and perspectives, encouraging them to be mindful of how their actions affect peers.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The siblings in the story encounter conflicts and learn to solve them together, demonstrating effective communication and problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these problem-solving strategies in their interactions with friends and family members, leading to better conflict resolution and cooperation.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Adaptability
Explanation: The story shows how the characters come up with creative solutions to include everyone in their games, adapting their plans to ensure everyone has fun.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to think creatively in their playtime and adapt their activities so everyone they play with can participate and enjoy.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Leadership
Explanation: The older sister takes on a leadership role by adjusting the games so her younger sibling can participate, teaching her about responsibility towards others.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to take initiative and lead by example, taking responsibility in helping and guiding younger children or newcomers in various settings.