Specs For T-Rex
What’s inside...
An adventurous tale where a young dinosaur, Rex, needs glasses and discovers a whole new world in the process. Alongside his friends, he embarks on a journey that teaches him the values of friendship, courage, and adaptability.
Age
3-4
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the T-Rex needed specs? How do you think it made him feel?
What are some ways the other dinosaurs helped T-Rex with his challenge?
If you were a friend of the T-Rex, how would you help him feel better about wearing specs?
Can you think of a time when you needed help like the T-Rex did? Who helped you and how did you feel?
What do you think is the main message of this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, give a brief explanation about specs (glasses) and why some people (or dinosaurs) might need them. This can set the context for better understanding.
While reading, pause to discuss the illustrations, especially focusing on the expressions and actions of the T-Rex and other characters to gauge emotional responses.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts about accepting help from others, and share a personal story where you needed help to model open communication.
Post-reading, relate the story to your child’s experiences at school or with friends to personalize the themes and enhance understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The protagonist, despite being a T-Rex, faces challenges with his vision, which teaches children that everyone, no matter how big or small, has their own struggles.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to understand and share the feelings of their peers, fostering a more inclusive environment at school or in playgroups.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The T-Rex, despite his initial discomfort with wearing glasses, continues to try different specs until he finds the right pair. This demonstrates the importance of persistent effort to overcome obstacles.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to keep trying in challenging tasks at school or in learning new skills, reinforcing that persistence pays off.
Example Lesson: Self-acceptance
Explanation: By the end of the story, the T-Rex embraces his unique look with glasses, showing that differences can be strengths.
Real-World Application: This can help children feel more confident about their unique qualities and imperfections, promoting a positive self-image.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: The T-Rex tries out various specs to address his vision needs, showing the ability to adapt to new situations by finding suitable solutions.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of adapting to change, whether moving to a new classroom or trying out a new activity, by finding what works best for them.