The Hare and the Tortoise: First Reading Level 4
First Reading Level 4 Series
illustrations by
on Goodreads (28)
What’s inside...
In 'The Hare and the Tortoise: First Reading Level 4,' Mairi Mackinnon retells the classic fable with a modern twist. The story, designed for young readers, emphasizes the value of perseverance and hard work through the journey of a slow yet determined tortoise, who ultimately triumphs over the swift but overconfident hare. This book not only entertains but also imparts essential life lessons, making it a valuable addition to your child's reading list.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-8
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made the tortoise win the race, even though he is much slower than the hare?
How did the hare's attitude change from the beginning to the end of the story?
Why do you think it's important to finish what you start?
Can you think of a time when you kept going even though something was hard? What happened?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences by asking them about times they have faced similar challenges as the characters.
Highlight the moral of the story by discussing the value of perseverance and the consequences of overconfidence.
Use expressive reading to emphasize the contrasting paces of the hare and the tortoise, making the story more engaging and interactive.
After reading, ask your child to draw their favorite scene from the book, and describe why they chose it, reinforcing their comprehension and interpretation skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Persistence pays off
Explanation: The tortoise demonstrates perseverance by continuing to move forward, despite knowing he is slower than the hare.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persisting with their tasks or learning activities, even if they feel they are not as fast or as good as others.
Example Lesson: Overconfidence can lead to downfall
Explanation: The hare becomes overly confident in his ability to win the race easily, decides to take a nap, and ultimately loses.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of consistent effort and humility, reminding them not to underestimate the importance of steady progress despite apparent advantages.
Example Lesson: Slow and steady wins the race
Explanation: The consistent pace of the tortoise, despite being slower, ultimately leads him to win over the quicker but careless hare.
Real-World Application: Children learn that completing tasks with regular and persistent efforts often leads to success, reinforcing the value of patience and consistency over speed.