Let's Build a House! (Wonderwise)
#5 of 1 in Wonderwise Series
on Goodreads (12)
What’s inside...
While sitting round a campfire, some children decide to build a house. Each child comes up with a different idea of what house they might build, and how. This Wonderwise title introduces the sorts of houses people live in around the world.
Discussion points
What are the different types of homes you noticed in the book? Why do you think they are different?
Can you describe how teamwork was used in building a house? Why is teamwork important?
What tools and materials were mentioned in the book for building a house? Can you think of any other tools or materials that might be useful?
How do you feel about creating or building something on your own? What would you like to build?
What did you learn about the steps involved in building a house? Which step do you think is the most important and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a warm and curious tone to encourage your child to think and respond. Show genuine interest in their thoughts and ideas.
Relate the story to your child’s experiences, such as building with blocks or helping with home projects, to make the discussion more relevant.
Praise your child’s responses, even if they're unexpected, to promote confidence in expressing their thoughts.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child’s responses to deepen the conversation and enhance their critical thinking skills.
Encourage your child to ask their own questions about the book, fostering curiosity and active engagement.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: The book portrays various characters working together to build a house, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to cooperate with their peers during group activities or shared tasks, understanding that teamwork can lead to successful outcomes.
Example Lesson: Understanding Processes
Explanation: Through the detailed step-by-step process of building a house, children learn about sequencing and the importance of following a process to achieve a goal.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children approach tasks methodically, whether in completing school projects or following instructions in everyday tasks.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The characters in the book encounter and resolve different challenges during the construction, which showcases the significance of problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically and find solutions to problems they might face in their day-to-day life.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for Labor and Craftsmanship
Explanation: Children are introduced to various building crafts and the labor involved, fostering respect and appreciation for different types of work.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to value the effort behind creating physical structures and other handcrafted items in their surroundings.
Example Lesson: Persistence and Patience
Explanation: Building a house takes time and effort, and the book illustrates the virtues of patience and persistence until a project is complete.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of staying dedicated to their tasks and being patient for the results of their efforts, skills that are valuable in both academic and personal settings.