Reading Champion: The Hen-Duck: Independent Reading Green 5
Reading champion Series
on Goodreads (1)
What’s inside...
A captivating tale about a unique hen that wishes to be a duck, exploring themes of identity and acceptance, while embarking on an adventurous journey. This story is part of Reading Champion, a series carefully linked to book bands to encourage independent reading skills, developed with Dr Sue Bodman and Glen Franklin of UCL Institute of Education (IOE). When a little chick hatches with the ducklings, she grows up to think she's a duck! Reading Champion offers independent reading books for children to practise and reinforce their developing reading skills. Fantastic, original stories are accompanied by engaging artwork and a reading activity. Each book has been carefully graded so that it can be matched to a child's reading ability, encouraging reading for pleasure.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-7
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the Hen-Duck learned in the story?
How did the characters in the story help each other?
What would you do if you were in the Hen-Duck's situation?
How do you think the story would change if it happened in a different place?
What was your favorite part of the book and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the book, ask your child what they think a 'Hen-Duck' might be and what kinds of adventures it could have.
While reading, pause at key moments to ask your child how they think a character is feeling or what they think might happen next.
After finishing the story, encourage your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book. Discuss why they chose that particular part.
Relate the story to your child’s experiences by asking them if they have ever faced a similar problem or situation as the Hen-Duck.
Encourage your child to think about the moral of the story and discuss its application in everyday life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding difference
Explanation: In the story, the protagonist encounters a unique creature called a Hen-Duck, which is different from others in appearance and behavior.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect the differences in people they meet in everyday settings like school or the park.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The Hen-Duck faces challenges that it must overcome, demonstrating critical thinking and resilience.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply problem-solving skills learned from the story to navigate their own challenges, such as resolving conflicts with peers or tackling difficult tasks.
Example Lesson: The importance of curiosity
Explanation: The story encourages a sense of wonder and exploration as the characters seek to learn more about the Hen-Duck.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to ask questions and explore the world around them, which is crucial for intellectual and personal growth.