We Don't Eat This!: Independent Reading Green 5
Engage literacy Series
What’s inside...
We Don't Eat This!: Independent Reading Green 5 by Sue Graves is a vibrant exploration of healthy eating habits for young readers at a pivotal stage of learning. With humor and engaging illustrations, this book introduces children to the concept of making wise food choices. It aligns with child development psychology by encouraging decision-making and critical thinking in a relatable context, ensuring that young readers not only learn, but enjoy the process. Perfect for shared reading sessions, this book fosters conversation between children and parents about nutrition, nurturing long-term healthy habits. The story is part of Reading Champion, a series carefully linked to book bands to encourage independent reading skills, developed with Dr Sue Bodman and Glen Franklin of UCL Institute of Education (IOE). Ben and Jack really want to help on the farm, but the animals just do not like the food they're handing out! Reading Champion offers independent reading books for children to practise and reinforce their developing reading skills. Fantastic, original stories are accompanied by engaging artwork and a reading activity. Each book has been carefully graded so that it can be matched to a child's reading ability, encouraging reading for pleasure.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-8
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the characters in the book decided not to eat certain things?
How did the characters feel when they made their choices? Can you relate to any of their feelings?
What other ways could the characters solve their problem about what to eat?
If you were in the story, what would you have done differently?
What did you learn from the book about making choices?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book’s theme using open-ended questions. Validate their feelings and perspectives to foster a deeper understanding and connection. Relate the story to their daily experiences, such as meal choices or decision-making scenarios. Use dramatic expression when discussing the characters’ dilemmas to make the conversation more engaging and fun. Highlight the importance of making healthy and thoughtful choices, just like the characters in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Making healthy food choices
Explanation: The story emphasizes the importance of eating nutritious foods over less healthy options.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to make better food choices, recognizing the benefits of vegetables and fruits over processed snacks.
Example Lesson: Independence in decision-making
Explanation: The narrative encourages children to make decisions for themselves, particularly in choosing what to eat.
Real-World Application: This can empower children to feel confident in making small decisions daily, fostering a sense of independence.
Example Lesson: Understanding consequences
Explanation: The book illustrates the consequences of poor eating habits in a way that is understandable for young readers.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by anticipating outcomes of their choices, particularly in relation to their health.