The Haircut
What’s inside...
The Level 1 Biff, Chip and Kipper Stories, written by Roderick Hunt and illustrated by Alex Brychta, provide both wordless stories and a rich story context to help develop language comprehension and decoding skills with simple first words and sentences.
Wordless Stories A and Wordless Stories B introduce the characters and children learn that the pictures tell a story, where a story begins and how to turn the pages. First Words and More First Words introduce children to simple words and the characters' names.
Books contain inside cover notes to support children in their reading. Help with childrens reading development is also available at www.oxfordowl.co.uk.
Why read this book
- Engaging story encourages creativity and imagination.
- Relatable scenario boosts empathy and emotional intelligence.
- Simple, clear language aids early reading skills.
- Fun illustrations captivate and hold children's attention.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-7
Length
8 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the main character felt about getting a haircut? Can you describe a time you felt the same way?
Why is it important to listen and understand how someone else is feeling?
What would you have done if you were in the main character's shoes?
How do you think the story would change if the main character made a different decision?
What did you learn from this story that you can use in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use empathetic listening when discussing the character's feelings, reinforcing the importance of understanding and empathy.
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences, which can deepen their connection to the themes discussed.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child's responses to encourage deeper thinking and exploration of the story's themes.
Create a supportive environment where your child feels comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings about the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Bravery in trying new things
Explanation: The story follows the main character as they muster the courage to get their first haircut, showcasing their transformative journey.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace new experiences, such as starting a new school or trying a new activity, with courage and openness.
Example Lesson: Coping with change
Explanation: The narrative gently explores the emotions associated with changing one's appearance, helping children understand and accept changes.
Real-World Application: This lesson can guide children to adapt to various changes in life, such as moving to a new place or changes in family dynamics.
Example Lesson: Self-expression
Explanation: The book celebrates individuality through the protagonist’s choice of haircut, fostering a sense of personal identity.
Real-World Application: It reinforces the importance of self-expression in children, encouraging them to make personal choices about how they present themselves to the world.
Example Lesson: Building self-esteem
Explanation: As the character sees their new haircut, it boosts their confidence, showing the positive impact of self-care.
Real-World Application: Children will learn the value of taking care of their appearance and how it can positively affect their self-confidence.
Example Lesson: Empathy and support from others
Explanation: Supportive characters in the story help the protagonist feel comfortable during their haircut, highlighting the importance of support during new experiences.
Real-World Application: It teaches children the importance of supporting others in facing their fears or trying new things, fostering empathy and cooperative relationships.