What If Everybody Did That?
#1 of 3 in What If Everybody? Series
What’s inside...
A child learns the importance of treating others the way he would want to be treated, which leads to allowing animals in the zoo to remain free. The book also explores the consequences of everyone breaking rules, such as not washing up or splashing too much at the pool, and how the world would become a mess. Conversely, it shows how following rules can make the world a better place, using humorous illustrations to convey these messages in a way that resonates with children. If you drop just one soda can out the window, it’s no big deal…right? But what if everybody did that? What if everybody broke the rules and spoke during story time, didn’t wash up, or splashed too much at the pool? Then the world would be a mess. But what if everybody obeyed the rules so that the world would become a better place? Using humorous illustrations rendered in mixed media, these questions are answered in a child-friendly way and show the consequences of thoughtless behavior.
Discussion points
How do you think the world would change if everyone ignored the rules like the boy in the book?
Can you think of a time when you did something small that had a big effect?
How do you feel when other people don't follow the rules?
Why do you think rules are important in our daily lives?
What is one rule you would create to make the world a better place?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing a personal story where a small action led to unexpected consequences, encouraging your child to think about cause and effect.
Pose hypothetical scenarios based on the book's content, asking your child how they would respond or feel in those situations.
After reading, ask your child to draw or write about a world where everyone breaks a particular rule, discussing the outcomes together.
Encourage your child to come up with their own examples of actions that seem small but can have big impacts, fostering creative thinking.
Praise your child for thoughtful responses and insights during the discussion to build confidence and encourage further engagement.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Consequences
Explanation: The book uses a repetitive structure where a child’s small negative actions, like littering or interrupting, are followed by the question, 'What if everybody did that?' This effectively illustrates how seemingly minor actions can lead to larger, negative consequences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to think about the outcomes of their actions before acting, promoting responsible decision-making in communal spaces like schools or parks.
Example Lesson: Respecting Community Rules
Explanation: Each scenario in the book presents a rule being broken and the potential chaos that could ensue if everyone did the same. It emphasizes the importance of rules in maintaining order and harmony in society.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to adhere to classroom rules, understand the purpose behind them, and actively contribute to a positive environment for everyone.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Consideration for Others
Explanation: By posing the question, 'What if everybody did that?' the book pushes the reader to consider how their actions affect others, fostering an early sense of empathy and social responsibility.
Real-World Application: Children could apply this lesson by being more mindful of their actions, such as sharing toys and including others in games, thereby cultivating a more inclusive and caring attitude towards peers.
Example Lesson: Environmental Responsibility
Explanation: One of the scenarios involves throwing a soda can out the window, leading to a visual of what it would look like if everybody did that. It highlights the impact of individual actions on the environment.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to engage in eco-friendly practices such as recycling, cleaning up litter, and conserving resources at home and in their communities.
Example Lesson: The Power of Collective Action
Explanation: The book not only shows the negative impact of everyone making poor choices, but also implicitly suggests the positive power of everyone making good choices.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of teamwork and how working together towards a common good can create positive change in their community.