Under Construction
What’s inside...
Join in all the fun of the construction site by moving the vehicles around and helping them dig, carry and construct all types of buildings. This interactive pop-up book features five trucks, each with unique moving parts, that can be placed on tracks in four different construction scenes. Kids can slide the trucks on the tracks to help 'build' on the construction site. The final pop-up spread provides a satisfying finale to this engaging format, making it a great way to encourage reluctant readers to pick up a book.
Age
5-6
Length
12 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the workers do on the construction site every day?
How do you feel about the way everyone works together in the story? Why is teamwork important?
Can you describe your favorite machine from the book and what it does?
If you could build something, what would it be and why?
What different challenges do the characters face, and how do they solve them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive tones to portray different characters and actions happening in the story to make the scenario come alive.
After reading, encourage your child to draw their favorite scene or construction machine from the book. Discuss what they made and why they chose it.
Relate the teamwork in the story to real-life examples of collaboration, such as family chores or teamwork in sports, to help your child understand the book's themes.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next in different parts of the book to enhance their critical thinking.
Point out and discuss any obstacles the characters face, asking your child how they might handle similar situations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: Throughout 'Under Construction', children are introduced to characters who work together to complete a building project, emphasizing the importance of collaboration.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in play, learning how to share tasks and communicate effectively to achieve a common goal.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving Skills
Explanation: As the characters in the book face challenges in their construction project, they demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills to find solutions.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think creatively and persistently when faced with obstacles, whether it’s working through a difficult puzzle or resolving a disagreement with a peer.
Example Lesson: The Value of Patience
Explanation: The construction project in the story does not complete overnight. It teaches children that great results require time and patience.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of patience in everyday tasks and to remain calm and persistent with schoolwork or while learning new skills.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for Different Roles and Responsibilities
Explanation: The book showcases various characters, each with unique roles in the construction process, highlighting how each role is important for the project's success.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value diverse contributions from everyone in a group, recognizing that each person's input is valuable in different situations, from family tasks to classroom projects.