Reading Gems: I Want to Be a Bat! (Level 1)
#5 of 28 in Reading Gems Series
on Goodreads (5)
What’s inside...
Reading Gems: I Want to Be a Bat! (Level 1) is a children's book that tells the story of a young child who dreams of being a bat, exploring the world of bats and their unique abilities. The book is part of the Reading Gems series, which features original stories, delightful characters, and humorous illustrations aimed at sparking a love of reading. The series is graded into four levels to cater to different reading abilities, from emerging readers to confident, independent ones. This series supports and challenges young readers while building reading confidence. Mouse wants to fly like Bat and sleep upside down like Bat, but he doesn't like eating moths! Yuck! The Reading Gems series is designed to spark a love of reading and is a supplementary reading programme that is graded into four levels to perfectly suit a child’s reading ability from an emerging reader to a confident, independent reader. Parents and teachers can be reassured that children are reading books that support their ability, challenge their reading skills, and encourage reading confidence with every word on the page.
Discussion points
What do you think it would be like to be a bat?
Can you name some things a bat can do that people can't?
Why do you think the character in the book wants to be a bat?
How do you think the story would change if the character wanted to be a different animal?
What did you learn about bats from this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin the discussion by reflecting on the child’s own interests and relate them to the character’s desire in the book.
Encourage your child to imagine and express, maybe even draw, what they think being a bat would be like.
Ask your child about what they found most surprising about bats and explore those facts together.
Help your child make connections between the story and the real world, perhaps discussing the importance of bats in nature.
After reading, consider watching a short documentary or looking up more facts about bats to deepen the understanding and discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Self-identity and self-acceptance
Explanation: The story illustrates a young protagonist exploring the idea of being something different, in this case, a bat, and ultimately learning to accept and value their unique self.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore and appreciate their own identities, helping them build self-esteem and confidence in their real-world interactions.
Example Lesson: Imagination and creativity
Explanation: The protagonist’s wish to be a bat sparks a creative journey, showcasing the importance and fun of imaginative play.
Real-World Application: Kids are inspired to use their imagination in play and problem solving, fostering creativity that can be applied in academic and social situations.
Example Lesson: Understanding and empathy
Explanation: Through the protagonist’s exploration, readers learn about different perspectives, promoting an understanding of diverse experiences and feelings.
Real-World Application: This lesson aids children in developing empathy, enhancing their ability to interact compassionately and considerately with others.
Example Lesson: The value of asking questions
Explanation: The protagonist’s curiosity about being something else drives the narrative, underscoring the importance of inquiry in learning.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to seek knowledge and satisfy their curiosity by asking questions, an essential skill for educational and personal growth.