The Mice and the Elephants: Read It Yourself - Level 1 Early Reader
Read It Yourself Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
In 'The Mice and the Elephants: Read It Yourself - Level 1 Early Reader' by Stephanie Moss, young readers are introduced to a tale where a group of mice living peacefully in the jungle face a challenge when a herd of elephants comes stampeding through their home. Initially, the tiny mice are terrified and their lives are disrupted by the giant creatures. However, they gather the courage to approach the elephants and request them to choose a different path to avoid crushing the mice and their homes. The elephants, realizing the harm they've been causing, agree and become friends with the mice. The story highlights themes of communication, respect for others no matter their size, and the importance of forming friendships with those who are different from us. It's a level 1 early reader book, which means it's designed for children who are beginning to learn to read, with simple sentences and basic vocabulary to boost their confidence in reading.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the mice felt when they first saw the elephants?
How did the mice help the elephants, and why is helping others important?
What would you do if you were in a similar situation as the mice?
Can you think of a time when someone helped you like the mice helped the elephants?
Why do you think the elephants changed their behavior towards the mice?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story, asking how they would feel and react in similar situations.
Discuss the importance of kindness and teamwork, relating them to real-life instances where your child can apply these lessons.
Use expressive reading techniques, changing your tone and volume to match the emotions and actions in the story, making the reading session more immersive.
After reading, connect the story’s themes to personal experiences, reinforcing the moral lessons and enhancing comprehension.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: In 'The Mice and the Elephants,' the smaller mice work together with the much larger elephants to solve problems, demonstrating that teamwork can bridge physical differences.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by collaborating with peers in school projects or group activities, learning that everyone has something valuable to contribute regardless of size or strength.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Kindness
Explanation: The story shows how the elephants learn to empathize with the mice despite their size differences, which leads to mutual respect and assistance.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to be considerate and empathetic towards others who may appear different from them, promoting inclusivity and kindness in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Both the mice and the elephants encounter obstacles that they overcome by brainstorming and working together, showcasing effective problem-solving strategies.
Real-World Application: Children learn to think critically and creatively when faced with challenges, whether at home, in school, or in their community, fostering a proactive mindset.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Communication
Explanation: Successful outcomes in the story arise when characters effectively communicate their needs and listen to others, illustrating the value of clear communication.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to express themselves clearly and listen attentively to others' viewpoints, which can improve their social skills and interpersonal relationships.