Little Steps: Respect
Little Steps in Islamic History Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Little Steps: Respect by Kay Barnham is an enlightening read, designed to teach young children about the importance of respect. Through engaging stories and relatable scenarios, it illustrates respectful behavior in different contexts such as at home, school, and with friends. This book not only educates children on how to treat others with kindness and consideration but also underscores the benefits of respectful interactions in building healthy relationships. A perfect tool for parents and educators aiming to foster a respectful and empathetic environment from an early age.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What does respect mean to you?
Can you think of a time when someone showed you respect? How did it make you feel?
Why do you think it's important to show respect to others?
How can you show respect to your friends and family?
What is one respectful action you can take tomorrow?
Tip: Role play these questions
Create a comfortable and quiet space for discussion, free from distractions, to allow your child to think and express freely.
Listen actively to your child’s responses without interrupting, showing them the same respect you want them to learn about.
Cite specific scenarios from the book, then relate them to real-life situations your child might encounter.
Encourage your child to ask questions as well about respect or any confusion they might encounter within the story.
Praise your child for providing thoughtful answers, reinforcing positive thinking and understanding of respect.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and Demonstrating Respect
Explanation: The book portrays various scenarios where characters learn the importance of respecting others regardless of differences, using polite language, and recognizing personal boundaries.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these principles at school or in the playground by being considerate towards their friends' feelings and learning to interact respectfully.
Example Lesson: Importance of Listening
Explanation: Characters in the book are shown actively listening to each other, which helps in resolving conflicts and building stronger friendships.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be utilized in a child's daily life by encouraging them to listen attentively in class or at home, enhancing their ability to follow instructions and understand others' perspectives.
Example Lesson: Value of Inclusion
Explanation: The story includes themes of inclusivity, showing children how enriching it is to accept and include people from various backgrounds and abilities.
Real-World Application: Kids can practice inclusion by inviting peers who might feel left out to join in games and activities, fostering an environment of acceptance.
Example Lesson: The Role of Empathy
Explanation: Through its characters, the book highlights how understanding others’ emotions can lead to kinder interactions and better mutual understanding.
Real-World Application: Children can use empathy learned from the book to support friends who are upset or help resolve disputes amicably by considering others’ feelings.
Example Lesson: Apologizing and Forgiving
Explanation: The book teaches the significance of apologizing sincerely when wrong and the strength in forgiving others, helping mend relationships.
Real-World Application: This lesson is applicable in situations where the child might have disagreements with siblings or friends, teaching them the importance of resolving issues peacefully by acknowledging mistakes and forgiving.