Standing on One Leg is Hard
What’s inside...
The story centers around a young protagonist named Lily, who decides to master the art of standing on one leg. Through trials and errors, support from friends, and a series of funny mishaps, Lily learns valuable life lessons beyond just balance. In another tale, a little heron chick struggles to stand on one leg like her family. Despite many attempts and using various supports, she realizes she can only balance when no one is watching, including the reader. This interactive book encourages children to keep trying and engage in the story by closing their eyes to help the chick.
Discussion points
What do you think it feels like to stand on one leg for a long time? Can you describe it?
Why do you think the character kept trying even though it was hard?
What are some things that you find difficult but keep practicing because you want to improve?
How do you think the character felt when they finally succeeded?
Can you think of a time when you accomplished something you initially thought was too hard?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin by practicing standing on one leg together with your child. This fun activity creates a personal connection to the character's struggle and achievement.
Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts by relating their own experiences with challenges and successes to those of the character in the book.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child’s responses to help them delve deeper into understanding the themes of perseverance and resilience.
Praise your child for thoughtful answers and insights, which reinforces their engagement and confidence in discussing their ideas and feelings.
Connect the story’s lesson with real-life situations your child might face, helping them apply the book’s messages in their everyday life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The story showcases the protagonist's repeated attempts and failures at balancing on one leg, teaching children the importance of perseverance despite challenges.
Real-World Application: Children learn that continuous effort and not giving up in the face of difficulties can lead to success in tasks such as learning a new skill or improving at a sport.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: As the protagonist struggles, friends offer support and understanding, demonstrating how empathy plays a role in friendships.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of being supportive and understanding when their friends or family members face challenges, strengthening their interpersonal skills.
Example Lesson: Self-confidence
Explanation: Throughout the book, the protagonist’s self-confidence grows with each attempt at balancing, highlighting the link between trying and self-improvement.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by not being afraid to try new activities or tasks, understanding that self-confidence can be built through practice and persistence.
Example Lesson: Celebrating small victories
Explanation: The protagonist celebrates small improvements, which emphasizes the importance of recognizing and celebrating minor achievements.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to take pride in their own small steps of progress in learning or other areas of life, fostering a positive mindset.