The Worm Family
What’s inside...
The Worm family loves being wormy and takes pride in their skinny, squiggly, and long appearance. They enjoy singing loud worm songs and are distinct from their glossy, bossy, buggy neighbors who do not appreciate their differences. Despite feeling unwelcome, the Worms choose to stay and prove the glory of being a worm, rather than finding new neighbors. They continue doing what they love with their family and eventually find acceptance with new fuzzy-wuzzy neighbors who appreciate them for who they are.
Age
2-4
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the Worm family feels about being different from others? What can we learn from their experiences?
What makes your family unique or special, just like the Worm family?
Why is it important to celebrate differences in others?
How did the Worm family handle challenges they faced? Can you think of a time when you faced a challenge and how you dealt with it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book’s themes, validating their feelings and helping them relate personally to the story.
Use examples from the book and real life to discuss the importance of diversity and acceptance in an age-appropriate way.
Ask your child to draw their family and discuss what unique qualities each member brings to the family, connecting it to the Worm family's experiences.
Take turns sharing stories about times when you felt different and how you embraced or overcame those feelings.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: The Worm Family showcases various quirks and traits of the worms, emphasizing the beauty of differences.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and accept differences in others, promoting inclusivity in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family Bonds
Explanation: The story emphasizes the supportive nature of the worm family, highlighting how they stand by each other.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to value and nurture their family relationships, understanding the strength that comes from familial support.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Facing Challenges
Explanation: Throughout their adventures, the Worm Family faces various obstacles, showing perseverance and adaptability.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to remain resilient and adaptive in the face of challenges, applying this attitude in school and other areas of life.
Example Lesson: Celebrating Individual Talents
Explanation: Each worm has a unique ability that contributes to their adventures, celebrating individual strengths.
Real-World Application: Children are motivated to discover and hone their unique skills and understand the importance of contribution in team settings.