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How to Hide a Lion at School

#3 of 4 in How To Hide A Lion Series

4.17
on Goodreads (108)

What’s inside...

The story follows a young girl named Iris who has a lion for a friend. When it's time for Iris to go to school, the lion wants to come along, but of course, lions are not allowed at school. The lion tries various ways to hide so he can stay close to Iris, leading to a series of humorous and heartwarming events.
In series
Series reading

Non-Sequential

Age

2-6

Length

32 pages

Text complexity

Discussion points

How do you think the lion felt when he was trying to hide at school?
Why do you think the lion wanted to go to school with Iris?
What would you do if you had a lion friend who wanted to follow you to school?
How did Iris help the lion stay hidden, and why was that important?
What do you think is the lesson of the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, use a warm and curious tone to make your child feel comfortable sharing their thoughts.
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences at school or with friends.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or scenarios to develop creative thinking.
Highlight the themes of friendship and loyalty in the story, and relate them to real-life values.
Use follow-up questions to delve deeper into your child's responses, showing genuine interest in their ideas.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Acceptance and Inclusion
Explanation: The story demonstrates acceptance as the school community learns to include and accept the lion despite initial fears and differences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to accept and include their peers who may seem different from them, fostering an inclusive environment at school and in social settings.
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: The protagonist shows courage by hiding and protecting the lion, facing her fears for the sake of a friend.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of standing up for what is right and protecting others, even when it might be intimidating.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, the protagonist finds creative ways to hide the lion and solve problems that arise from the lion's presence at school.
Real-World Application: Children learn to think creatively and develop problem-solving skills that can be applied in schoolwork and everyday challenges.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: The story portrays empathy by showing the lion's perspective and the challenges he faces, which helps in understanding his feelings and actions.
Real-World Application: Promotes empathy by encouraging children to consider others' feelings and perspectives, helping them to develop stronger emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Friendship and Loyalty
Explanation: The close bond between the lion and the protagonist highlights the themes of friendship and loyalty throughout the narrative.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of being a good friend and being loyal, which are crucial social skills that contribute to healthy, lasting relationships.

How to Hide a Lion at School by Helen Stephens