Help Me!
on Goodreads (16)
What’s inside...
Based on real events, this exquisite and inspirational picture book offers a wonderful insight into animal behavior. It is nighttime, and a herd of elephants are on the move. An impala is lying in the darkness, watching a tortoise stumble towards water. Hatchling turtles slip into the pool while crocodiles sleep. A pack of wild dogs trot by. When the tortoise slips, a surprising and remarkable chain of events begins to unfold. Perfect for classroom discussion, this story raises moral and philosophical issues as well as being a great teaching aid for science and nature topics.
Age
3-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the little bird felt when it was alone? Can you describe a time when you felt the same?
What was the most challenging part of the journey for the bird? How do you handle challenges in your life?
How did the other animals help the little bird? Why do you think it's important to help others?
What did you learn from the story about being brave and asking for help?
If you were in the story, what would you have done to help the bird?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child to put themselves in the bird's position, discussing the emotions and thoughts the bird might be experiencing.
Highlight the importance of persistence and courage by discussing how the bird faced its challenges and kept going despite the obstacles.
Discuss the themes of community and assistance by exploring how the other animals contributed to the bird's journey and emphasizing the value of teamwork and support.
Strengthen understanding by asking open-ended questions that allow your child to express their thoughts and relate personal experiences to the story's events.
Promote critical thinking by discussing possible alternative endings with your child and exploring different ways the characters could have resolved their situation.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Help Me!', the story revolves around various animals trying to help a trapped fish. This narrative showcases the importance of understanding and empathizing with others' difficulties.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by learning to recognize when someone else is in trouble or needs help and understanding how they might be feeling, encouraging them to offer assistance or comfort.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: The animals in the story must work together to help the fish. This collaboration highlights how teamwork can accomplish a goal that might be impossible individually.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in group activities at school or play, where cooperating with others can lead to successful and enjoyable outcomes.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: The book ‘Help Me!’ engages children with a scenario where animals brainstorm and try various methods to rescue the fish, promoting critical thinking and problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Children can utilize this lesson by applying similar problem-solving techniques when they face challenges, whether in academic tasks or personal situations, improving their ability to navigate obstacles.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Through the repeated attempts to save the fish, the story teaches persistence in the face of challenges. The animals don't give up despite initial failures.
Real-World Application: This trait can be encouraged in children when dealing with difficult tasks or learning new skills, highlighting the importance of persisting and trying different approaches until they succeed.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: ‘Help Me!’ also imparts a respect for wildlife and the natural environment, as the story centers on the animals’ natural habitat and interactions.
Real-World Application: Children can be taught to value and take care of their environment, respecting wildlife, and understanding the importance of natural habitats for the well-being of all creatures.