Freaky Families
Time for a rhyme Series
What’s inside...
This compilation of poems is designed to entertain a young age group. This book features poems about strange relatives and freaky families. Time for a Rhyme is part of a series of poetry books by well-known Macmillan poets. Time for a Rhyme is a large format poetry series for 6-8 year olds. Featuring all the best Macmillan poets, these books have been specifically tailored to entertain a young age group. This book features poems about freaky families.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What unique traits do you think each family in the book has? How do they compare to our family?
If you could choose one of the families in the book to visit for a day, which one would it be and why?
How do the families in the book help each other out in unusual situations?
What lesson did each family in the book teach you about understanding and accepting others?
How would you help a friend who felt their family was 'freaky'?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a warm and curious tone when asking the questions to make the child feel comfortable sharing their thoughts.
Relate the discussions to your own family experiences to help the child draw parallels and feel connected.
Encourage the child to think creatively by asking them to imagine being part of different families in the book.
Validate the child’s feelings and perspectives to foster an open and supportive conversation environment.
Summarize the conversation to reinforce the themes and lessons discussed, linking them back to the values you appreciate as a family.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Acceptance of diversity
Explanation: Through exploring various unconventional family structures in 'Freaky Families', the book teaches children to recognize and appreciate differences among families.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect diverse family dynamics among their peers, promoting inclusivity and understanding from a young age.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The book drives home the importance of empathy by showing characters understanding and appreciating the unique situations of each 'freaky' family.
Real-World Application: This helps children apply empathy in their interactions, recognizing that everyone has their own story and circumstances, encouraging a more supportive social environment.
Example Lesson: Importance of family bonds
Explanation: Despite the differences in the structures or the oddities of the families presented, the book highlights that the bond and love shared among family members is what truly matters.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value and nurture their own family relationships, understanding that the essence of family lies in mutual care and support, regardless of external appearances.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: The unique, imaginative descriptions of each family encourage creative thinking and open-mindedness.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to use their imagination more freely and view the world around them with a creative lens, enhancing problem-solving skills and artistic expression.
Example Lesson: Self-acceptance
Explanation: Characters in the book come to recognize and embrace their own family's uniqueness, fostering a sense of self-acceptance.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to accept and take pride in their own differences as well as those of others, boosting self-esteem and personal growth.