The Higgledy-Piggledy Pigeon
What’s inside...
A young homing pigeon named Hank is an eager new student in flight school. He does an outstanding job in school until the day of his first practice delivery, when he unexpectedly discovers that he has no sense of direction. He is devastated. Is this the end of his dreams? Nobody else in class has this problem. It is so easy for them not to get lost. Maybe he should just quit. But a kind teacher shows him how he can compensate for his problem and still succeed. This story is about how everyone learns in different ways, and how with the right kind of help and effort, anyone can succeed - even if they have a learning difficulty.
Age
7-9
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the pigeon felt when he found out he had trouble learning? What would you do if you were in his place?
What are some ways the pigeon tried to overcome his challenges? Can you think of a time when you had to try different methods to solve a problem?
Why do you think the pigeon kept trying even when things were hard? What does this teach us about persistence?
How did the other birds help the pigeon? What does this story teach us about friendship and helping others?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the pigeon's struggles and triumphs, relating it to any personal experiences or difficulties they have faced.
Ask your child to think of alternative solutions or endings for the pigeon’s story, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills.
Discuss the importance of persistence and how it helps us achieve our goals, drawing parallels to real-life scenarios in school or sports.
Highlight the theme of friendship and community support demonstrated in the book, prompting your child to share stories of how they help or receive help from friends.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Differences
Explanation: The story centers around a pigeon who has trouble learning in the same way as others due to having dyslexia. It emphasizes the value of understanding and accepting individual differences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and accept their own unique abilities and those of others around them, promoting inclusivity and understanding in diverse environments.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Despite his struggles with reading and feeling different, the pigeon persists in trying to find ways to learn effectively. This highlights the importance of resilience and determination.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to continue striving towards their goals, regardless of the obstacles they face in academic pursuits or other areas of life.
Example Lesson: Seeking Support
Explanation: The pigeon learns to seek help from others who might offer different perspectives and strategies. It portrays asking for help as a strength, not a weakness.
Real-World Application: Kids are taught the significance of communication and seeking assistance when needed, which is a vital skill in both schooling and personal relationships.
Example Lesson: Celebrating Small Victories
Explanation: The book shows how the pigeon feels a sense of accomplishment with each little progress he makes. This teaches children the importance of recognizing and celebrating small successes.
Real-World Application: This can help boost a child's confidence and encourage a positive mindset towards learning and personal growth.