The Hat
on Goodreads (22)
What’s inside...
In this delightful new collection of poetry for children, Carol Ann Duffy takes readers on a mud-and-all ramble through sand, socks, songs, and schoolrooms. The poems are charming and witty, and explore imaginative worlds from the loneliness of ghosts and ghouls to a shopping trip by Manchunian cows. At the heart of the book is a poem that follows the mischievous and educational journey of a hat blown through history, moving from one literary head to another and quoting its owner's most famous lines.
Age
12-15
Length
80 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the hat represents in the story?
How did the characters change when they wore the hat?
What feelings did you experience as we read about the different adventures?
If you had a magical hat, what adventures would you like to go on?
Why do you think the author chose a hat to be the magical item in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child to imagine what magical powers a hat might have to spark their imagination.
While reading, pause after each new adventure to ask your child what they think will happen next, fostering predictive skills.
After reading, encourage your child to draw their own magical hat and describe the adventures it might take them on, enhancing their creative thinking.
Discuss the different emotions characters felt when wearing the hat, connecting the story to your child's own experiences with different emotions.
Relate the adventures from the hat to real-life situations to help your child draw parallels and gain a deeper understanding of the book’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of sharing
Explanation: The story demonstrates sharing through the character of the squirrel who shares his hat with other animals.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to share their belongings with friends and siblings to foster better relationships and cooperative play.
Example Lesson: Creativity and resourcefulness
Explanation: The hat in the story is used in various imaginative ways by different animals, showing resourcefulness.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think creatively and use everyday items in various innovative ways, enhancing problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: Respect for others' belongings
Explanation: The squirrel initially loses the hat, which is then passed around by different animals, teaching respect for others' property.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of handling others' belongings with care and returning items they borrow.
Example Lesson: Adaptability to situations
Explanation: Each animal adapts the hat to meet their needs, illustrating adaptability.
Real-World Application: Children learn to adjust and make the best out of their circumstances, whether it's during play or any changes in their environment.
Example Lesson: Joy in simple things
Explanation: The joy the animals find in playing with the hat shows how happiness can be found in simple, everyday objects.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to appreciate and find happiness in the simple aspects of life, fostering a positive outlook.