WHAT IF...?
#1 in Dominie Readers Series
What’s inside...
Supports phonemic awareness and phonics instruction, builds fluency and vocabulary, and develops text comprehension skills.
Discussion points
What are some things you would do if you had a day to yourself with no rules?
How do you think the characters felt when things didn't go as planned?
What would you do differently if you were in the story?
Can you think of a time when something unexpected happened to you? How did you react?
What did you learn from the story that you can use in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the characters' situations and ask how they might react differently.
Discuss the consequences of actions taken by characters in the story, highlighting both positive and negative outcomes.
Use examples from the book to talk about the importance of thinking through decisions and considering different possibilities.
Praise your child for unique ideas and perspectives they bring up during your conversation, reinforcing their confidence in expressing themselves.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing creativity and imagination
Explanation: The book explores various imaginative scenarios that encourage children to think outside the box and view the world creatively.
Real-World Application: Children can use imaginative play to solve problems and create new possibilities in their daily interactions, fostering innovative thinking from an early age.
Example Lesson: Understanding the impact of choices
Explanation: Through its whimsical narratives, 'WHAT IF...?' demonstrates how different choices lead to different outcomes, imparting the importance of decision-making.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children grasp the concept of cause and effect in their actions, aiding them in making thoughtful decisions in social and academic settings.
Example Lesson: Valuing diversity and perspectives
Explanation: The book presents various scenarios that differ greatly from each other, teaching children that there are many ways to view the same situation.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to appreciate diverse perspectives and be more empathetic towards others' views and experiences in their community.
Example Lesson: The importance of asking questions
Explanation: The title itself, 'WHAT IF...?', prompts children to think critically and inquire about different aspects of life.
Real-World Application: By regularly engaging in asking questions, children can deepen their understanding of the world around them and become lifelong learners.
Example Lesson: Building confidence in expressing oneself
Explanation: The book encourages children to consider and articulate their own 'what if' scenarios, supporting the development of self-expression.
Real-World Application: This can empower children to confidently share their ideas and feelings in group discussions and personal interactions, enhancing their social skills.