Slow Doris: (Gold Early Reader)
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Slow Doris is an enchanting tale about a tortoise named Doris who learns that speed isn't everything, and sometimes, taking your time can lead to wonderful adventures. In another story, Doris is a loris who prefers to take things slow. One night, a strange creature crashes through the jungle and her friends go missing. She sets off on an adventure to find them.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think Doris moves so slowly compared to the other characters?
How do you feel when you have to wait for something, like Doris does?
What are some ways Doris shows she cares about her friends?
How did Doris’ slow pace help solve a problem in the story?
What would you do if you were in a similar situation as Doris?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about times they felt similar to Doris and share those experiences.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child's responses to understand their perspective better.
Discuss the importance of patience and taking time, relating it to personal family experiences or routines.
Highlight the value of unique traits, like Doris’ slowness, in contributing to a group or solving problems.
Create a fun ‘slow-paced’ activity inspired by the book to emphasize the theme and engage your child further.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Patience and Perseverance
Explanation: The main character, Slow Doris, demonstrates the values of patience and perseverance as she faces a series of challenges. Despite being slower than others, she persists and ultimately succeeds.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that success can come from continuous effort and patience, even when things seem tough. They learn to apply persistence in their daily activities, whether in learning new skills or completing tasks.
Example Lesson: Embracing Individuality
Explanation: Slow Doris is different from her peers, which initially makes her journey more difficult. However, her unique qualities eventually lead to her success, promoting the importance of embracing one's individuality.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to appreciate their own differences and those of others. This helps them build self-confidence and respect for diversity in their communities and schools.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: Throughout the book, the support and encouragement from friends play a crucial role in Doris’s journey, highlighting the value of positive relationships and teamwork.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of supporting and working together with others. It can improve their social interactions and teamwork in school projects or during playtime.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: Doris encounters various problems along the way, each requiring creative thinking and problem-solving to overcome. This demonstrates the power of strategic thinking and resourcefulness.
Real-World Application: Children learn to approach challenges with a problem-solving mindset, which can help them in academic settings and in overcoming personal challenges.