Crickets
World Of Insects Series
on Goodreads (7)
What’s inside...
Like cicadas, crickets also sing a very recognizable song. They sing their song by rubbing their wings together! Readers will get an introduction to the different parts of a cricket's body, where crickets live, and what animals hunt crickets.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-8
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the crickets in the story were important to the main character?
What would you do if you found a cricket in your room?
How do you think the crickets felt when their environment changed?
What can we learn from the way the characters in the book treat the crickets and their surroundings?
If you were writing the story, what would happen next with the crickets?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story and ask how they would react in similar situations.
After reading, engage in a fun activity like drawing their favorite scene or character from the book.
Use expressive voices for different characters while reading to make the story come alive.
Discuss the importance of crickets and other small creatures to the environment to enhance understanding of the ecological themes.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next before turning the page, fostering their imagination and anticipation.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: In 'Crickets', the protagonist learns to understand and share the feelings of a new classmate from a different background.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by recognizing and respecting the feelings and perspectives of others in school or playground settings.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: The story highlights the protagonist’s journey of overcoming fear when faced with the challenge of befriending someone new.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face their own fears and embrace new experiences, whether it's trying out a new activity or making new friends.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters take on tasks that require them to look after each other, showing accountability.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to take responsibility in their daily routines, such as completing homework or chores, or caring for a pet.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The children in the story work together to solve a playground conflict.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of cooperating and working cohesively in group tasks at school or in sports.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The protagonist faces setbacks but learns to persevere and not give up.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of persistence in overcoming obstacles, be it in academics or personal goals.