If I Were an Ant (A Rookie Reader)
#7 in Rookie Readers: Level B (Pb) Series
What’s inside...
Rookie Readers RM have provided entertaining, high-quality introductions to reading for more than a generation. Each title features full-color, often hilarious illustrations and engaging stories that always involve a young child figuring out concepts or solving problems on his or her own. Every new title contains a Word List and a color-coded reading-level key on the back cover. A child imagines how much larger things such as crumbs, puddles, trees, and even babies would seem to an ant.
Discussion points
If you were an ant, what do you think would be the most exciting part of your day?
How do you think being an ant is different from being a human?
What can we learn from the way ants work together?
How do you think the ant feels about its role in the ant colony?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves as the protagonist by asking them to think of ways they would interact with their environment if they were an ant.
Discuss the teamwork aspect shown in the book. Highlight how ants cooperate for the greater good of their community.
Ask your child to think of situations where they felt small but made a big impact, drawing parallels to the ant’s experiences.
After reading, spend time outdoors observing ants in their natural habitat to provide a real-world connection to the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Different Perspectives
Explanation: The story explores what the world looks like from an ant's perspective, contrasting with human viewpoints.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of considering different perspectives and viewpoints in everyday interactions, fostering empathy and understanding.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for Nature
Explanation: By imagining life as an ant, the book encourages an appreciation for small creatures and the natural world.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to explore their own environment, observe nature more carefully, and learn about biodiversity right where they live.
Example Lesson: Imagination and Creativity
Explanation: The hypothetical scenario of becoming an ant stimulates children’s creativity and imaginative thinking.
Real-World Application: Such creative exercises help enhance problem-solving skills and can encourage children to think creatively in other areas of their life.
Example Lesson: Valuing One’s Unique Role
Explanation: The story highlights how every creature, no matter how small, has an important role in the world.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the value of their own unique contributions in their family, school, and community.