Wombat Stew
What’s inside...
A dingo intent on making wombat stew receives cooking suggestions from the other animals, who are subtly trying to protect their fellow creature from becoming the dingo's meal. The story is set in Australia and highlights the interactions and clever tactics of the animals to save their friend.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-8
Length
38 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think about the clever tricks the other animals used to save Wombat? Which one was your favorite and why?
How do you think Wombat felt when he realized his friends were trying to help him? Have you ever felt the same way?
Why do you think cooperation is important? Can you think of a time when you had to work together with friends or family?
What would you have done if you were one of Wombat’s friends?
How do you think the story would have changed if Wombat knew the plan all along?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts about the characters and events in the story. Ask them to imagine alternative scenarios and solutions, boosting their creative thinking. Use expressive voices for different characters while reading to make the story more engaging and fun. Relate the themes of friendship and teamwork to your child’s daily experiences to make the story more relevant and meaningful.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cooperation
Explanation: In 'Wombat Stew', various animals come together to help protect Wombat from Dingo’s pot. They collaborate by suggesting different ingredients, showcasing teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of working together to solve problems, which can be applied in school projects or family activities.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Problem Solving
Explanation: The clever ideas from the other animals to make the stew 'yucky' demonstrate the use of creative thinking and problem-solving skills to overcome challenges.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think creatively in their daily encounters and to brainstorm unique solutions to obstacles they face.
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness
Explanation: The story introduces children to Australian animals and habitats, expanding their knowledge and understanding of different environments and wildlife.
Real-World Application: This awareness fosters curiosity and respect for biodiversity and ecosystems, which they can explore further during family trips or school lessons.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The animals' efforts to save their friend Wombat instill a sense of empathy and caring for others’ well-being.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to consider others' feelings and circumstances, promoting compassionate interactions with friends and family.