Once Upon a Time
Snappy sounds : noisy pop-up fun Series
What’s inside...
When Sarie's teacher asks the students to take out their reading books, Sarie feels anxious because she struggles with reading aloud and stutters, causing her classmates to laugh. However, she finds support in her friend Emile and an elderly neighbor, Ou Missus. Sarie's confidence in reading begins to grow after Ou Missus helps her read an old copy of Cinderella together. Eventually, Sarie's improvement is acknowledged by her school principal, who compliments her on her beautiful reading.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the characters in 'Once Upon a Time' learned by the end of the story?
How did the actions of the characters change the direction of the story?
If you were a character in 'Once Upon a Time,' who would you want to be and why?
What is one thing you would do differently if you were in the same situation as the characters?
How do you think the story would have ended if the characters had made different choices?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by summarizing the key points of the story to ensure your child understands the plot and characters.
Encourage your child to express their opinions about the story and its characters, validating their feelings and perspectives.
Prompt your child to think critically by asking them how they might have reacted in a similar situation as the characters.
Link the themes or morals of the book to your child’s personal experiences, making the discussion more relatable and engaging.
Finish the discussion by asking your child to imagine an alternate ending to the book, fostering creativity and deeper understanding of the narrative.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Kindness
Explanation: In 'Once Upon a Time', the characters show compassion and help each other, reinforcing the importance of being kind.
Real-World Application: Children can practice kindness daily by sharing, helping friends, and showing empathy towards others in school or at play.
Example Lesson: Value of Honesty
Explanation: The protagonist faces a dilemma that teaches the consequences of dishonesty and the benefits of honesty, which helps resolve conflicts.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be honest in their interactions and understand that honesty builds trust.
Example Lesson: Perseverance Through Challenges
Explanation: As the characters in the book encounter and overcome obstacles, it illustrates the importance of not giving up despite difficulties.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this by persisting with their tasks, such as completing homework or learning new skills, despite challenges.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: The use of a magical, imaginative setting in 'Once Upon a Time' encourages children to think creatively and explore their own imaginations.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to engage in creative play, art, or storytelling, fostering their creative thinking skills.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: Through the interactions between characters, the story highlights how friendships can provide support and joy.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in a child's life by encouraging them to make new friends, work cooperatively in teams, and support their peers.