Little by Little (Step-Into-Reading, Step 1)
Early step into reading Series
on Goodreads (17)
What’s inside...
An adaptation of the Aesop fable, 'The Crow and the Pitcher,' in which a clever crow figures out how to get a drink of water when another crow has given up.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Little Otter felt when he was trying to do something difficult?
How did Little Otter's friends help him? Can you think of a time when your friends helped you?
Why do you think Little Otter kept trying even though it was hard?
What did you learn from Little Otter about trying new things?
How do you feel when you try something new like Little Otter did?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, emphasize the values of perseverance and friendship highlighted in the story to cultivate empathy and resilience.
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences, making the conversation more personal and impactful.
Praise your child for insights during the discussion, reinforcing positive engagement with reading and critical thinking.
Use examples from the book to discuss the importance of trying new things and the role of support from friends and family.
Encourage your child to talk about their feelings and experiences openly, mirroring the emotional journey of Little Otter.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The story illustrates the gradual process of an otter learning to swim, emphasizing that mastering new skills takes time and effort.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persisting with challenging tasks at school or in their hobbies, understanding that improvement comes with practice.
Example Lesson: Incremental Progress
Explanation: The otter's mother encourages taking small steps to learn how to swim, showing that progress is often made little by little.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this idea by tackling small parts of a larger task, whether it’s cleaning their room or completing a project, making daunting tasks more manageable.
Example Lesson: Encouragement
Explanation: The otter receives constant support from its mother, highlighting the role of encouragement in learning.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of supporting their peers, promoting a cooperative and positive environment in classrooms and playgrounds.