I Can Do BIG Things by Doing Small Things
What’s inside...
Children are an important part of the world, even though they are small. They can do many things, they're special and they can do a lot. This book empowers children to do what they can, rather than focus on what they can't (and is a good reminder for adults too)! Small things do matter and can make a BIG difference in the world.
Age
0-6
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What small things did the characters do in the story that led to big results?
How did the characters feel after accomplishing their big things?
Can you think of a small task you could start today that might lead to something bigger?
Why do you think it's important to take small steps toward a big goal?
How can we apply the lesson from this book to our daily activities?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by reading the book together, then ask your child to recount the plot. This helps them grasp the storyline and remember specific examples.
Relate the characters' experiences to real-life scenarios that your child might encounter, making the discussion more relevant.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book’s message, reinforcing their understanding and emotional connection.
Praise your child for insightful observations or connections they make, which boosts their confidence and engagement in reading.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: The book showcases the protagonist tackling large goals by breaking them down into manageable tasks, demonstrating that perseverance leads to achievement.
Real-World Application: Children can use this approach while handling homework or school projects, learning to stay focused and persist even when tasks seem daunting.
Example Lesson: Value of patience
Explanation: As the main character works through small steps toward larger goals, the story emphasizes that meaningful results require time and patience.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of waiting for their turn during games or patiently working through learning new skills like riding a bike or reading.
Example Lesson: Confidence from self-accomplishment
Explanation: Through completing small tasks, the protagonist builds confidence. This illustrates how small wins can boost self-esteem and self-efficacy.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by setting personal goals, like completing a daily reading session or mastering a new math concept, and gaining confidence from these achievements.
Example Lesson: Incremental learning
Explanation: The story conveys that every little bit adds up to a whole, teaching that progress often happens incrementally.
Real-World Application: This can be applied to a child’s academic journey, showing them that consistent effort in learning bit by bit contributes significantly over time.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: The book demonstrates how the character sometimes enlists help from friends or family to accomplish tasks, highlighting the importance of working together.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be reflected in a child's life when they engage in group activities or school projects, learning to collaborate and value others' input to achieve common goals.