Whale Is Stuck
What’s inside...
While leaping about in the open sea one day, Whale lands on an ice floe, where all the Arctic animals attempt to get him back into the sea where he belongs. Whale has great fun diving in and out of the ocean waves until he accidentally lands on an ice floe and gets stuck. Walrus and friends help out, but there is a surprise in store for them in this story.
Age
2-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the whale got stuck? What do you think it felt?
How did the other sea creatures try to help the whale?
What would you do if you were one of the sea creatures?
How do you think the whale felt when it was finally free?
What can we learn about helping others from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they think the whale and its helpers felt throughout the story.
Discuss the importance of teamwork by reflecting on how each sea creature contributed differently to help the whale.
Enhance problem-solving skills by asking your child what they would have done differently if they were in the situation.
Ask your child to draw their favorite scene from the book, then describe what's happening and why it's their favorite.
Link the story’s themes to real life by asking your child about a time they helped someone or needed help themselves.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: In 'Whale Is Stuck', various sea creatures come together to help the whale who is trapped. This demonstrates the power of teamwork and how collaboration can solve big problems.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by working together with their peers on group projects or in team sports, learning that cooperative efforts often yield better results.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: The book shows characters expressing concern and taking action to help the whale, teaching children the importance of empathy by caring about others' feelings and wellbeing.
Real-World Application: This can be applied in a child’s life by encouraging them to be considerate and supportive towards their friends and family members who are facing challenges.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The sea creatures need to think of various strategies to free the whale. This highlights the importance of critical thinking and problem solving in overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children can use problem-solving skills in their everyday life by thinking of creative solutions during conflicts or challenges at school or home.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Despite initial failures, the sea creatures do not give up. This teaches children the value of perseverance and continuing to try even when faced with difficulties.
Real-World Application: This lesson is vital for children when they encounter academic or personal obstacles, teaching them to persist and keep striving towards their goals.