Jimmy McRay Was Different (A Predictable Word Book)
Dominie Readers Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
These captivating little books for K-2 children are filled with delightful rhymes, humorous stories, exciting plot lines, and beautiful illustrations. Designed to promote early success in reading, they are uncomplicated, with easy-to-read type, bright and engaging illustrations, and language repetition to reinforce fundamental reading skills. Dominie Readers have amusing and engaging story lines, with delightful characters that motivate children to read and develop comprehension. With a good mix of humor, appropriate for young readers, the books help build rich vocabulary through interesting events. Youngsters particularly love the imaginative rhymes and rhythmic language in Dominie Readers, which cover a broad range of genres. Suitable for small group and independent reading, as well as whole-class instruction, these readers support the researched skills highlighted in the Reading First initiative.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
23 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Jimmy Mcray
Discussion points
How did Jimmy McRay show that being different is special?
What are some things that make you unique, just like Jimmy?
How did Jimmy's friends react to his differences? What does that teach us about friendship?
Can you think of a time when someone appreciated something different about you?
How would you help a new friend who felt different at school?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their own unique qualities by sharing personal stories of when you felt different and how it was beneficial.
Discuss the importance of accepting and celebrating differences in others, using examples from the book and correlating them with real-life scenarios.
Emphasize the value of empathy by asking your child how they think Jimmy felt in various parts of the book, and relate those feelings to their own experiences.
Build a positive dialogue around the theme of uniqueness by praising your child's differences and relating them back to Jimmy's story.
Create an inclusive environment for discussion by ensuring that all family members share their thoughts about the book and its message.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Individuality
Explanation: The story highlights how Jimmy McRay's unique traits make him special, teaching children to appreciate differences in themselves and others.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to celebrate their own unique qualities and those of their peers, fostering a positive self-image and respect for diversity.
Example Lesson: Predictability in Reading
Explanation: This book uses predictable text patterns which help children anticipate what comes next, promoting early reading skills.
Real-World Application: By recognizing patterns in text, children can enhance their reading fluency and comprehension, making reading a more enjoyable and confident activity.
Example Lesson: Understanding Feelings
Explanation: Jimmy expresses various emotions throughout the book that children can learn to identify and empathize with.
Real-World Application: Children can better understand and articulate their own emotions, as well as empathize with others' feelings in real-life interactions.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: As Jimmy navigates through different scenarios, he figures out solutions to problems he encounters, encouraging critical thinking.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply problem-solving strategies from the book to overcome challenges they face in school or during play.
Example Lesson: Value of Friendship
Explanation: Through interactions with others, Jimmy demonstrates the importance of friendship and social support.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to build and maintain friendships, which are crucial for emotional and social development.