Little Critter: Fun at School with Little Critter
Little Critter And The Critter Kids Series
What’s inside...
In 'Fun at School with Little Critter' by Mercer Mayer, readers follow the lovable character Little Critter as he navigates a day at school filled with fun and learning. From the excitement of show-and-tell to the challenges of working together on a group project, Little Critter experiences the joys and occasional mishaps of school life. Whether he's in the classroom, on the playground, or at lunch, Little Critter's positive attitude and humorous adventures make for an entertaining and relatable story for young readers who are familiar with or are anticipating the school environment.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Little Critter
Discussion points
What was your favorite part of Little Critter's day at school and why?
How do you think Little Critter felt when he was at school? Can you think of a time when you felt the same way?
What new things did Little Critter learn? What new things would you like to learn at school?
How did Little Critter help his friends at school? How can you help your friends in similar ways?
If you could have a school adventure like Little Critter, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to talk about their own school experiences in relation to the story. This personal connection makes the discussion more relevant.
Ask open-ended questions that prompt deeper thinking rather than yes/no answers to enhance critical thinking skills.
Use the illustrations in the book to discuss emotions and actions of the characters, assisting your child in understanding and empathizing with Little Critter.
Be patient and give your child enough time to think about the questions and their answers which promotes confidence in expressing their thoughts and ideas.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Throughout the book, Little Critter is tasked with completing various activities at school, from completing assignments to organizing his desk.
Real-World Application: Children can embody responsibility by managing their personal belongings and homework, similar to Little Critter, fostering a sense of independence and accountability.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Cooperation
Explanation: Little Critter learns to work and share with his classmates, understanding different perspectives and fostering a classroom community.
Real-World Application: Emulating Little Critter, children can practice empathy by cooperating in group settings such as school projects or play, resulting in better interpersonal skills and friendships.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The book presents Little Critter facing and solving minor challenges in school, which promotes critical thinking.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to apply problem-solving skills in their daily challenges, either academically or socially, driving them to find creative solutions and develop resilience.
Example Lesson: Following Directions
Explanation: Little Critter follows instructions from his teacher and navigates his school day successfully.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of listening to instructions from educators and parents, which aids in their learning process and ensures safety.