Longman Book Project: New Readers: Fiction 2: Band 3: Jug Ears (Longman Book Project)
Fiction 2: Band 3 Series
What’s inside...
The Longman Book Project is designed for children aged 4-11 and features a collection of fiction from well-known authors and illustrators such as Anne Fine and Jacqueline Wilson. It offers comprehensive teaching support, materials for progress monitoring and assessment, and age-appropriate reading books centered around common themes for Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. The series includes a variety of genres like plays and poetry, and promotes community awareness and citizenship through literature.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-7
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the character felt when others treated him differently because of his jug ears?
What would you do if you were in the main character's shoes and faced similar challenges?
Can you think of a time when you felt different from others? How did you handle it?
What does this story teach us about kindness and accepting others for who they are?
How important is it to have friends who support and understand us?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a comforting and open tone when discussing the themes in the book to make your child feel safe sharing personal feelings and experiences.
Encourage your child to connect the story to their own life by sharing similar experiences they might have had.
Highlight examples of empathy and understanding both in the book and in real-world scenarios to reinforce positive lessons from the story.
Ask follow-up questions to your child’s responses to dig deeper into their thoughts and feelings, fostering a deeper understanding and discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Self-acceptance
Explanation: The main character in 'Jug Ears' learns to embrace their unique physical features, overcoming insecurities.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by learning to appreciate their own differences and seeing value in what makes them unique.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The story demonstrates how characters understand and share the feelings of others, especially when it comes to sensitivities about personal traits.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to be considerate and kind towards peers who may feel insecure or different.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Through the challenges faced by the protagonist, the narrative shows how to persist and overcome personal challenges.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to stay strong and keep a positive attitude despite facing teasing or bullying.
Example Lesson: Respect for Diversity
Explanation: The book highlights interactions among diverse characters, promoting an inclusive environment.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to respect and celebrate diversity among their friends and in their community.
Example Lesson: Confidence
Explanation: As the protagonist grows to accept their ears, they gain confidence, which is portrayed through their interactions with others.
Real-World Application: Children can see the value of believing in themselves, which can lead to more assertive and positive interactions with others.