Tough Chicks
What’s inside...
From the moment Penny, Polly, and Molly hatch from their eggs, the whole farm knows they are truly tough chicks. They wrestle worms, rope roosters, and are often found under the hood of the tractor. All the other animals and even the farmer himself tell Mama Hen to make her chicks good. 'They are good!' Mama Hen replies. But could her chicks be too loud, too independent, and too tough? Lively language and bold illustrations capture all the fun and humor of this delightfully different farmyard romp that's also a resounding endorsement for letting girls be girls (even if they're loud and tough and like to play with tractors.
Discussion points
What do you think makes a chick 'tough'? Can you think of times when you were tough like them?
How do the tough chicks help each other in the story? Why is teamwork important?
What challenges do the chicks face and how do they overcome them?
How do you feel when someone tells you that you can't do something? How would you handle it like the tough chicks?
Who is your favorite character in the book and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Emphasize the values of perseverance and teamwork depicted in the book by relating them to real-life situations your child might face.
Encourage your child to express their own definition of 'tough' and discuss ways they can embody these qualities in daily life.
Highlight the problem-solving aspects of the story and ask your child how they may use similar tactics when faced with a challenge.
Acknowledge and validate your child's feelings when discussing obstacles or moments where they felt underestimated, linking back to the chicks' experiences in the story.
After reading, consider role-playing a scenario from the book where the tough chicks face a challenge to reinforce the message and lessons learned.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing individuality
Explanation: The chicks in the story defy traditional roles and showcase their unique strengths.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and express their own unique qualities, understanding that being different is valuable.
Example Lesson: Persistence pays off
Explanation: The chicks persistently tackle challenges head-on, proving that determination can lead to success.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to keep trying in the face of difficulties, whether it’s solving a tough puzzle or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The chicks work together to solve problems, emphasizing the power of collaboration.
Real-World Application: Children understand the importance of cooperating with others to achieve common goals, useful in group projects and team sports.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, the chicks use creative thinking to navigate obstacles.
Real-World Application: Kids learn strategies to approach and solve problems in innovative ways, which can be applied in school tasks and daily challenges.
Example Lesson: Courage to stand out
Explanation: Despite skepticism from others, the chicks are not afraid to stand out and be themselves.
Real-World Application: It teaches children the value of self-confidence and bravery in expressing themselves, even when it might not align with the crowd.