I Want to Be an Actuary: The Story of a Statistically Savvy Sardine
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Beta is a sardine who dreams of becoming an actuary, despite not being understood by others. Throughout this vibrant, rhyming tale, his family attempts to help him conform to typical sardine behavior. However, Beta is determined to demonstrate the value of having an actuary in their midst.
Age
4-18
Length
25 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the sardine wants to become an actuary?
What are some important skills that the sardine learned in the story?
How did the sardine use statistics to solve problems in the ocean?
Can you think of a problem you would like to solve using numbers and data like the sardine?
What did you learn about teamwork from the sardine’s journey?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the sardine’s journey to their own experiences with learning new things.
Discuss the importance of problem-solving and how statistics can be a valuable tool in decision making.
Help your child identify their strengths and how they can use them in their daily activities, similar to how the sardine applied its skills.
Create a fun activity where your child can use simple statistics to make decisions, enhancing the practical understanding of the book’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of goal setting
Explanation: The protagonist, a sardine named Sam, sets a clear goal to become an actuary. Throughout the book, readers see Sam's dedication and the steps he takes to achieve his dream.
Real-World Application: Children learn to set their own goals and understand the value of working towards achieving them, which is crucial for personal development and success.
Example Lesson: Perseverance through challenges
Explanation: Sam faces several challenges in his journey, including doubting his abilities and facing skepticism from others. However, he perseveres and remains focused on his goal.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to stay determined and keep working hard despite obstacles, a skill that is valuable in educational settings and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Value of education
Explanation: The story highlights Sam's pursuit of knowledge through books and learning, underscoring the importance of education in achieving one's goals.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to value and pursue education to gain knowledge and skills necessary for their future careers and personal development.
Example Lesson: Utilizing unique talents
Explanation: Sam uses his unique skill in statistics, often feeling out of place among his peers, to carve out a unique path for himself.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that their unique qualities and skills are assets that can lead to success and fulfillment when embraced and utilized properly.