Why Anansi Has Eight Thin Legs : Read It Yourself - Level 3 Confident Reader
Read It Yourself Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Explore the captivating African folktale of Anansi, the clever spider, in 'Why Anansi Has Eight Thin Legs.' This Level 3 book from the 'Read It Yourself' series by Ladybird is perfect for confident young readers ready to tackle more complex sentence structure and varied vocabulary. The story provides an engaging and culturally rich narrative that explains the unique physical features of Anansi. It not only entertains but also offers an educational glimpse into traditional folklore, enhancing children’s understanding of world cultures and encouraging them to explore diverse stories. Based on the popular West African folk tale, Anansi the trickster spider has a plan to get a free meal from each of his friends by having them pull on a thread tied to his legs when the food is ready. However, his plan may not be so clever after all. This book is perfect for more confident readers aged 6+ who can read simple stories with help. Each book in the series has been carefully checked by educational and subject consultants and includes comprehension puzzles, book band information, and tips for helping children with their reading. With five levels to take children from first phonics to fluent reading across a wide range of different stories and topics, 'Read It Yourself' helps children build their confidence and begin reading for pleasure.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-7
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think Anansi wanted to keep all the wisdom to himself?
What are some ways Anansi could have shared his wisdom with others?
How do you think the other animals felt when they saw Anansi's trouble?
What did Anansi learn by the end of the story?
Can you think of a time when you shared something important with someone else?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the moral of the story by asking them what lesson Anansi learned.
Discuss the consequences of Anansi's actions and relate them to everyday situations your child might encounter.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings where Anansi makes different choices and discuss how those choices could change the outcome of the story.
Connect the themes of the book to real-life examples of wisdom and teamwork, highlighting the importance of sharing knowledge.
Praise your child for insightful answers and encourage them to elaborate on their thoughts to deepen their understanding of the story's themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Creativity and Problem Solving
Explanation: Anansi shows creativity by using his wit to solve problems and challenges he faces.
Real-World Application: Children learn to think outside the box and use their imagination to overcome obstacles in their daily activities.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Greed
Explanation: Anansi’s story teaches that being greedy can lead to negative consequences, as seen when Anansi ends up with thin legs.
Real-World Application: This helps children understand the importance of moderation and the impact of their choices on themselves and others.
Example Lesson: Value of Persistence
Explanation: Despite the challenges, Anansi continues to try and fulfill his desires, showing persistence.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of perseverance in achieving goals, whether in school tasks or personal ambitions.
Example Lesson: Importance of Sharing
Explanation: The tale can be interpreted to show that sharing can prevent conflicts and problems, unlike Anansi who often finds himself in trouble due to selfishness.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the social skill of sharing with peers, fostering better relationships and community feeling.