The Fierce Giant
#12 of 417 in Read with me Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
A fun reading scheme that uses the 'look and say' approach to learning to read. Essential key words are introduced and regularly repeated to assist with pronunciation and meaning. Level three is for the improving readers. Book by W. Murray, Jill Corby
Discussion points
What do you think made the giant feel fierce? Can you think of a time when you felt similar?
How did the characters react to the giant? What would you have done if you met the giant?
What do you think is the message of the story? Why is it important to understand others' feelings?
How do the illustrations help tell the story of the giant? Do they make you feel differently about him?
If you could talk to the giant, what would you say or ask?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts about the giant's actions and how they relate to the other characters. Use open-ended questions to guide the conversation.
Discuss the importance of empathy by exploring how understanding the giant's feelings might change our view of him. Ask your child how they think the giant felt during key moments in the story.
Use the illustrations as a talking point. Ask your child to describe what they see and how the visuals contribute to their understanding of the story's mood and themes.
Encourage your child to think about alternative endings or what could happen next in the story. This can help develop their creative thinking and storytelling skills.
Link the story's themes to real-life situations. This makes the discussion more relatable and helps the child apply lessons from the book in their everyday interactions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of challenges
Explanation: In 'The Fierce Giant', the protagonist faces a seemingly insurmountable challenge but chooses to confront it bravely rather than giving in to fear.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of facing their own fears and challenges, be it trying out for a new sport or standing up against a bully, demonstrating bravery in their everyday activities.
Example Lesson: The importance of clever thinking and strategy
Explanation: The protagonist uses wit and strategy to overcome obstacles that brute force couldn't solve, showcasing that intelligence can be as powerful as physical strength.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think creatively and strategically in problem-solving situations like working through a difficult math problem or resolving conflicts with peers.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and asking for help
Explanation: The protagonist realizes the importance of asking for help and collaborates with friends to defeat the giant, emphasizing that teamwork can make a daunting task more manageable.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of cooperation and seeking assistance when needed, whether in classroom group projects or in playing team sports.
Example Lesson: Persistence pays off
Explanation: Throughout the story, the protagonist faces several setbacks but remains persistent, ultimately leading to success.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of perseverance in achieving goals, whether it's improving a skill like reading or pursuing an interest in arts and crafts.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: As the story progresses, the protagonist tries to understand why the giant is fierce, leading to a change in approach that resolves the conflict.
Real-World Application: This imparts the significance of empathy by encouraging children to consider others' perspectives, promoting a more inclusive approach during interactions with friends and family.