Helpful Hannah (Pandas)
#3 in O'Brien Pandas Series
on Goodreads (5)
What’s inside...
Hannah is amazing. She can fix anything. Granny would prefer her to knit and sew and cook. But Granny is in for a surprise one stormy, snowy morning. Panda number 29
Discussion points
What do you think makes Hannah a helpful panda?
How did Hannah's actions make the other animals feel?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone? How did it make you feel?
Why is it important to help others?
What are some ways you can be helpful at home or in school?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the emotions in the story by asking them how they would feel in similar situations.
Draw parallels between the book's scenarios and real-life situations your child might encounter, helping them connect with the story.
Praise your child for thoughtful answers or when they make connections to their own experiences, reinforcing positive thinking about helping others.
Use examples from the book to discuss the impact of kindness and cooperation, fostering empathy and social awareness.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Helpfulness
Explanation: In 'Helpful Hannah (Pandas)', the protagonist, Hannah the panda, consistently seeks ways to assist her friends and family in their daily tasks.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of lending a hand at home or in school, fostering a cooperative and supportive environment.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The story portrays Hannah understanding her friends' feelings and needs, encouraging empathy through her actions.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to be attentive to the emotions and needs of others around them, improving their social interactions and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, Hannah encounters various challenges that she solves creatively.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to think critically and find solutions to obstacles they face, building their confidence and resilience.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Hannah often collaborates with others to achieve a common goal, highlighting the value of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to participate in group activities, whether in play, school projects, or sports, promoting effective teamwork skills.
Example Lesson: Joy in Helping Others
Explanation: Hannah's happiness and satisfaction in helping others are evident, teaching children that helping can be a source of joy.
Real-World Application: Children learn that their actions can positively affect others' lives, leading to personal fulfillment and happiness.