Growing strong Series
Zippy the Runner: Positive Attitude
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Despite practice and repetition, Zippy the Zebra cannot win a race. His body is skinny and his legs are very short. His friends encourage him to find other things to do, but Zippy likes to run.
Age
7-10
Length
28 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Discussion points
What do you think Zippy feels when he keeps practicing even when it's tough?
How do you act when you face a difficult task, similar to Zippy's challenges?
What do you think makes Zippy keep trying?
Can you remember a time when having a positive attitude helped you?
What would you tell a friend who feels like giving up on something hard?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion after reading the book together, ensuring the child feels connected to the experience. Use the questions to guide a conversational flow, letting the child express their thoughts freely. Validate their feelings and thoughts to make them feel heard and understood. Encourage them to relate the themes of the story to their own lives, which enhances comprehension and personal growth.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Perseverance
Explanation: Zippy the Runner demonstrates the value of not giving up through her commitment to training for a race despite challenges.
Real-World Application: Children learn to persist in their own goals, whether it's learning a new skill or completing their homework.
Example Lesson: Positive Thinking
Explanation: Zippy always maintains a positive outlook, believing in her ability to achieve her goals, which inspires her peers.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to adopt a positive mindset which can help them overcome difficulties in school or social interactions.
Example Lesson: Supporting Friends
Explanation: Zippy encourages her friends during the race, showing that success isn’t only about winning but also about helping others succeed.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of friendship and teamwork in collaborative tasks at school or in sports.
Example Lesson: Setting Personal Goals
Explanation: Zippy sets a personal goal to finish the race, focusing on her own improvement.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to set and strive for personal achievements, fostering a sense of self-motivation and accountability.
Example Lesson: Handling Disappointments
Explanation: When Zippy faces setbacks, she handles them with grace and uses them as learning opportunities rather than becoming disheartened.
Real-World Application: Children learn resilience and the ability to cope with disappointments in their own lives, understanding that setbacks can lead to growth.