The Spider who Lived in our Grandads Car
What’s inside...
In 'The Spider who Lived in our Grandads Car,' a children's tale by Nanny B., a friendly spider resides in a grandfather's vintage car, becoming a silent witness to the family's adventures, mishaps, and special moments. As the narrative unfolds, it emphasizes acceptance, the beauty of unexpected friendships, and the value of cherished memories. The story, originally told to the author's grandchildren and encouraged by her husband, highlights the importance of appreciating the small creatures in our world.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
18 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the spider felt living in Grandad's car? Can you relate to feeling comfortable in a small, cozy space?
What are some ways the spider might have helped keep the car clean or safe? What does this teach us about every creature’s role in our world?
Why do you think the spider chose to stay in the car instead of moving somewhere else? What does this tell us about the importance of home?
What would you have done if you found a spider living in your space? How can we show kindness to all creatures?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive tones when discussing the spider's emotions. This will help your child understand and connect with the character’s feelings.
Encourage your child to tell a short story from the perspective of the spider. This fosters empathy and creative thinking.
Discuss the concept of ecosystem roles, emphasizing how even small creatures have big roles. This can broaden your child’s understanding of biology and environmental science.
Ask open-ended questions that allow your child to express their own thoughts and fears about creatures like spiders. This encourages emotional expression and handling of fears.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and overcoming fears
Explanation: The story follows the adventures of a little spider, exploring how it faces various challenges in the car, teaching kids the value of bravery.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by facing their own fears, whether it's trying out a new activity or standing up for themselves in challenging situations.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The narrative provides insights into the spider's life from its own perspective, encouraging children to consider feelings and viewpoints different from their own.
Real-World Application: This facilitates empathy by encouraging kids to understand and respect the feelings and experiences of others, be it pets, wildlife, or even their peers.
Example Lesson: Importance of curiosity and exploration
Explanation: The spider's curiosity leads it to explore various parts of the car, which mirrors the way children learn about their world.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore and learn about their surroundings, sparking a lifelong love for discovery and learning.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, the spider encounters problems that require creative solutions, showcasing the spider's adaptability.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to think critically and develop problem-solving skills as they face their own day-to-day challenges.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Despite the challenges the spider faces, it perseveres and adapts to its environment, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of resilience in overcoming obstacles in their lives, enhancing their ability to adapt to change and bounce back from difficulties.