The Three Billy Goats Gruff
My first storytime Series
What’s inside...
Three clever billy goats outwit a big ugly troll that lives under the bridge they must cross on their way to eat the sweet grass.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-8
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think each of the billy goats was feeling as they crossed the bridge?
Why do you think the troll didn't want the goats to cross the bridge?
How do the actions of the billy goats help them solve their problem?
What would you have done if you were one of the billy goats?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child to imagine themselves as each goat and the troll, discussing their feelings and motivations.
Discuss the theme of problem-solving by focusing on how the goats worked together to overcome the troll.
Use different voices for each character to make the story more engaging and to help differentiate the characters for your child.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next at key points in the story to encourage active thinking and engagement.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The goats use strategic thinking to outwit the troll and safely cross the bridge.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to think critically and find solutions to obstacles they face in their daily activities.
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: Despite the risk posed by the troll, the goats bravely confront the challenge to reach the greener pastures.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face their fears and take brave steps towards their goals, whether it’s trying out for a sports team or standing up for what is right.
Example Lesson: The benefits of cooperation
Explanation: The goats work together to outsmart the troll, highlighting the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by working collaboratively in group settings such as school projects or team sports.
Example Lesson: Resourcefulness
Explanation: The smallest billy goat uses his wit to convince the troll to wait for a bigger goat, effectively using his resourcefulness to protect himself.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to use their wits and available resources to navigate and solve problems in school or during play.