Little Owl's Big Wait / La gran espera del pequeno buho (Xist Kids Bilingual Spanish English)
What’s inside...
This bilingual picture book for preschool and kindergarten teaches children the importance of patience through the story of Little Owl, who struggles to wait for her birthday party to start. Despite her excitement, Little Owl learns that good things come to those who wait, and the book promotes good manners and values. Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers, this story is a valuable lesson in patience presented in both English and Spanish.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-8
Length
34 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Little Owl felt while waiting? Can you share a time when you had to wait for something special?
What are some things Little Owl did to pass the time? What do you like to do when you have to wait?
Why is it important to be patient sometimes? How can being patient help us?
How do you think the story would change if Little Owl wasn’t patient?
What did you learn from Little Owl’s experience about waiting and patience?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about waiting and patience by relating to Little Owl's emotions.
Discuss personal experiences with waiting and how it felt, linking them to the story to make it more relatable.
Ask open-ended questions that require more than a yes or no answer to stimulate deeper thinking about the virtues of patience.
Praise your child for examples of when they have shown patience, linking back to how Little Owl managed his big wait.
Use the bilingual aspect of the book to introduce or practice new Spanish or English words, enhancing language skills alongside learning about patience.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Patience
Explanation: Little Owl awaits an exciting event, demonstrating the essence of patience as he endures the passage of time.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to wait calmly for their turn while playing games or sharing toys with peers.
Example Lesson: Time Perception
Explanation: The story explores how time can feel different depending on the circumstances, teaching children about the subjective nature of time.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand why sometimes waiting feels long and how to cope by keeping busy with activities.
Example Lesson: Bilingual Language Skills
Explanation: Presented in both Spanish and English, the book offers a dual-language experience that can enhance language development.
Real-World Application: Children can practice and improve their language skills in both languages, which is beneficial for cognitive development and cultural awareness.
Example Lesson: Emotional Expression
Explanation: Little Owl expresses various emotions as he waits, helping children understand and label their own feelings.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to identify and communicate their emotions more effectively, aiding in their emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Family Bonding
Explanation: The story can be a tool for parents and children to read together, especially in a bilingual family setting, fostering family relationships.
Real-World Application: Reading together strengthens bonds and promotes a habit of shared learning and enjoyment.