Reading Champion: My Friend
Reading champion Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
In 'Reading Champion: My Friend' by Katie Woolley, young readers are introduced to the joys and nuances of friendship through engaging storytelling. This accessible book helps children understand the importance of friendship, cooperation, and empathy. Perfect for nurturing social skills and emotional intelligence, 'My Friend' combines delightful illustrations with simple, impactful text to support early reading development. The book is part of the Reading Champion series, developed with UCL Institute of Education, which offers independent reading books for children to practise and reinforce their developing reading skills. 'My Friend' is a non-fiction text that recounts the friendship between two children, with simple sentence structures and supportive illustrations to encourage an independent reading experience. Each book in the series has been carefully graded to match a child's reading ability, promoting reading for pleasure.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-6
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you like best about how the characters interacted with each other?
How do you think the main character felt when they met their new friend? Why?
Can you think of a time when you made a new friend? How did that experience compare to the story?
What does being a good friend mean to you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking open-ended questions that encourage your child to think about the themes of the story and relate them to their own experiences. Display genuine interest in their answers to foster a deeper conversation. Use examples from the book to guide your child in understanding complex emotions and social situations. Emphasize the value of empathy and kindness by discussing the characters' actions and reactions. Encourage your child to express their thoughts and opinions, and share your own insights to promote a two-way dialogue.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: The story highlights how the characters support and care for each other, demonstrating the value of having friends.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to build strong relationships by being supportive and kind to their peers.
Example Lesson: Sharing with others
Explanation: The characters in the book often share their belongings and time, teaching the importance of generosity.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this in their daily interactions by sharing toys, snacks, or helping out classmates in school.
Example Lesson: Resolving conflicts
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters face minor disputes and learn to resolve them through communication and understanding.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children manage disagreements with friends or family members effectively by talking things out and understanding each other's perspectives.
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: The story delves into the feelings of the characters, showing how empathy leads to stronger friendships.
Real-World Application: Children learn to be considerate of others' feelings and situations, which enhances their emotional intelligence and interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: The characters work together to overcome challenges, showcasing the benefits of teamwork.
Real-World Application: In group projects or team sports, children can recall this lesson, understanding that cooperation leads to achieving common goals.