If I Were a Bird: A Child's Fantasy in Verse
What’s inside...
This book is a fantasy based on an actual daydream by a young male in school. There is no doubt that other daydreams exist, but this one was an actual experience.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-9
Length
20 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
If you could be any bird, which one would you choose and why?
What do you think it would feel like to fly high above the trees?
How do you think birds communicate with each other?
What did you learn about birds that you didn't know before?
If you were a bird for a day, what would you do?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves as a bird and describe their day from that perspective.
Discuss the different characteristics of birds mentioned in the book and relate them to the importance of diversity in nature.
Use the book’s illustrations to engage in a visual exploration, asking your child to point out details and colors they find interesting.
After reading, spend time together watching birds in your environment, connecting real-life observations with the book’s content.
Create a simple bird feeder together as a fun follow-up activity to foster a deeper appreciation for birds.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Through the imaginative scenarios in 'If I Were a Bird', children learn to put themselves in the shoes of various birds, understanding their feelings and experiences.
Real-World Application: Children can apply empathy in their daily interactions by considering other people's feelings and perspectives, leading to more compassionate relationships.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: The book encourages children to explore their imaginations by picturing themselves as birds with different adventures.
Real-World Application: This lesson enhances creative thinking skills, allowing children to invent unique solutions and ideas in their playtime and academic challenges.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for Nature
Explanation: By experiencing the world through the eyes of birds, children gain an appreciation for nature and the environment.
Real-World Application: This can manifest in real-world actions such as taking care of plants, being mindful of waste, and observing wildlife respectfully.
Example Lesson: Freedom of Thought
Explanation: The poetic verse format of the book invites children to think freely and interpret the text in their own way, fostering independent thinking.
Real-World Application: Children learn to form their own opinions and express their thoughts in diverse ways, an essential skill in their educational path.
Example Lesson: Understanding Diversity
Explanation: The various types of birds in the book serve as a metaphor for diversity among living beings and the unique qualities each possesses.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and embrace differences within their own communities and interact inclusively with others.