Coyote's Soundbite
What’s inside...
A rip-roaring poem about protecting our planet, told through the eyes of Coyote the trickster. Excitement spreads like wildfire through the jungle as Earth-goddesses plan a conference with goddesses from around the globe to debate burning environmental issues. The infamous trickster, Coyote, schemes to infiltrate the conference and make an impact. This evocative tale is praised for its beautiful writing and illustrations, delivering a timely message through playful characters and creation myths, urging young readers to cherish and protect the Earth.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think Coyote wanted everyone to listen to his soundbite?
How do the various animals react to Coyote's soundbite, and what does that teach us about communication?
What might the silence at the end of the story symbolize in real life?
How do you feel about the way the story ended, and what would you have done differently if you were Coyote?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, relating it to their own experiences with communication. Use expressive reading to emphasize the diverse reactions of the animals to Coyote's soundbite. Discuss the importance of listening and being heard, drawing parallels with everyday situations your child might encounter.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of active listening
Explanation: In 'Coyote's Soundbite,' Coyote learns the significance of genuinely listening rather than merely hearing. This unfolds as Coyote navigates through various challenges and misunderstandings due to his initial failure to listen to other characters carefully.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by developing attentive listening skills in school and at home, which enhances their ability to learn and forge stronger relationships.
Example Lesson: Respecting diverse perspectives
Explanation: Throughout the book, Coyote encounters characters from different backgrounds which teach him to appreciate different viewpoints. This is demonstrated as Coyote begins to understand and value the thoughts and feelings of others, rather than dismissing them.
Real-World Application: Children learn to engage with peers who may come from varied cultures or possess different beliefs, fostering a more inclusive and respectful environment.
Example Lesson: The value of communication
Explanation: The story highlights how communication can solve conflicts and misunderstandings. Coyote's journey shows him learning the best ways to express himself and to resolve issues through dialogue.
Real-World Application: This lesson is crucial for children as they navigate social interactions in school, teaching them effective conflict resolution and expressive skills.
Example Lesson: Responsibility for one’s actions
Explanation: Coyote faces consequences for his actions throughout the narrative, learning to take ownership of them. This maturation is a central theme, as Coyote grows from a trickster to a more thoughtful character.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to understand how their actions affect others and to take accountability, which is vital in building their character and ethical grounding.