Nan's Hens
illustrations by
What’s inside...
A heartwarming tale of Nan and her lively hens, exploring themes of friendship and adventure.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Nan feels about her hens and why?
How do the hens help Nan around the farm?
Can you think of ways we could help animals in our community?
What did you learn about how to treat animals from this story?
How do you think the story would change if there were no hens on Nan's farm?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story by asking how they would interact with the hens. Use expressive questions to explore the emotional aspects of the story, fostering empathy and understanding. Highlight the responsibilities depicted in caring for animals, connecting these to real-life tasks. Encourage drawing or acting out favorite parts of the story to deepen connection and understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The story emphasizes the importance of taking care of others through the children's task of feeding and looking after their grandmother’s hens.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by taking on small chores at home, such as feeding a pet or helping to set the table, learning the importance of contributing to their family and community.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The siblings in the book work together to manage the hens, showcasing how cooperation leads to success.
Real-World Application: This promotes the value of collaboration in group activities at school or in sports, teaching children that working together can achieve better outcomes.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: The children learn to treat the hens gently and ensure their environment is safe, demonstrating respect for animals and nature.
Real-World Application: Children learn to be mindful of their environment and the animals within it, fostering a lifelong appreciation and respect for nature.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: The book presents situations where the children have to figure out how to keep the hens safe and solve other small problems.
Real-World Application: This can help children develop critical thinking skills as they come across challenges in their own lives and learn to find solutions.