Audiobook
About the Book
Dive into the enchanting tale of Frogileena Amphibeena where the delightful protagonist, Frogileena, dreams of adventures beyond the familiar shore. Blessed with a beautiful singing voice, Frogileena longs to explore the vast sea, but her parents, protective and fearful of the legendary Rakshas, stand in her way. As she shines in the Croak by the Oak concert, Frogileena’s heart remains fixed on the sea. In a twist of fate, an encounter with the infamous Rakshas unveils a different reality. Join Frogileena on a journey of courage, growth, and the discovery of the beauty that awaits beyond the shores.
This heart-warming story explores the value of nurturing curiosity with care and embracing the wonders of the unknown.
Lesson-Plan Objective: Nurturing Curiosity with Care
A). Before you explore the story:
Begin by asking the children if they have ever imagined going on an adventure or exploring something new. Parents and educators may share a brief story from their childhood about a favourite adventure.
Let’s play a game
The Word Association Game
Instructions: Read each statement aloud, and have the children respond with the first word that comes to their minds. Encourage creativity and spontaneity.
1. Adventure:
– Statement: “Going on an exciting journey is like a / an…”
– Responses may be on these lines: “Treasure hunt!”, “Discovery” or “Adventure”
2. Dreams:
– Statement: “When I close my eyes and think about dreams, I see…”
– Responses may be on these lines: “Flying!” or “Magic!”
3. Fears:
– Statement 1: “Something that used to scare me but doesn’t anymore is…”
– Responses may be on these lines: “Monsters!” or “Darkness!”
– Statement 2: “My fears are not as scary as they seem; in fact they are…”
– Responses may be on these lines: “Scared of me”, “quite ordinary”, “Only big in my head”
4. Exploration:
– Statement: “Exploring new places feels like…”
– Responses may be on these lines: “An adventure!” or “A discovery!”
5. Bravery:
– Statement: “Being brave is like…”
– Responses may be on these lines: “Facing fears!” or “Standing tall!”
6. Confidence:
– Statement: Performing on stage is…”
– Responses may be on these lines: “Exciting”, “Scary”, “Great”
7. Journey:
– Statement: “Going on an unknown journey is like stepping into…”
– Responses may be on these lines: “The unknown!” or “A new world!”
9. Courage:
– Statement: “Courage feels like…”
– Responses may be on these lines: “Standing up for myself!”, “Trying new things!” or “Stepping out of my comfort zone”
10. Emotions:
– Statement: “When I am feeling sad, I…”
– Responses may be on these lines: “Cry”, “Draw”, “Play” or “Talk about it”
B). Explore / Read the Story: Frogileena Amphibeena
As you engage children in the story of Frogileena Amphibeena, you may
– Show excitement about the imaginary world you are stepping into
– Focus on voice modulation and drama to bring alive the characters
– Explore the illustrations and pause frequently to help children understand the storyline and its many highs and lows.
– Compose a tune for Frogileena Amphibeena’s favourite song, Hubba, hubba, ribbit, ribbit..
After finishing the book, consider listening to the audiobook with the children to enhance their experience. Pay attention to the various sound effects, allowing them to immerse themselves in the auditory elements and vividly imagine the unfolding story.
C). Post-Story Engagement
Engage in a Discussion:
– After reading the story, initiate a discussion with open-ended questions:
– What did Frogileena want to do?
– Why were her parents worried?
– How did Frogileena’s encounter with the Rakshas change her life?
Activity Name: Let’s Get Creative
Materials Needed:
– Drawing sheets
– Drawing supplies like: Crayons / colour pencils / sketch-pens
Instructions:
Read out the following excerpt from the story:
Frogileena Amphibeena sang new songs
of humongous lighthouses and golden yellow gongs.
Of sparkly sea treasure, dancing ocean waves,
white seagull feathers and scary dark caves.
Now, encourage the children to close their eyes and visualize these elements from Frogileena’s adventurous journeys.
Encourage the children to draw these:
- Humongous lighthouses
- Golden yellow gongs
- Sparkly sea treasure
- Dancing ocean waves
- White seagull feathers
- Scary dark caves
They may even add more elements to these adventures.
Closing Activity:
– Have a quick round of sharing where the children briefly talk about their favourite part of the story.
– Emphasize the importance of embracing new experiences and adventures, just like Frogileena did.
Note to Parents / Educators:
Balancing Safety and Exploration: Nurturing Curiosity with Care
Parenting involves navigating the delicate balance between keeping your child safe and allowing them the freedom to explore the world around them. The tension between protecting your child and encouraging their curiosity is a common challenge. Here are some considerations and strategies for striking this balance:
1. Open Communication: Establish open and honest communication with your child. Encourage them to express their thoughts, fears, and desires. By understanding their perspective, you can address concerns and find compromises together.
2. Set Clear Boundaries: Clearly define boundaries based on your child’s age, developmental stage, and the specific environment. Explain the reasons behind these boundaries to help them understand the importance of safety.
3. Gradual Independence: Allow your child to gradually gain independence as they grow. Start with small, age-appropriate responsibilities and gradually increase their freedom. This helps build their confidence and your trust in their decision-making abilities.
4. Educate About Risks: Teach your child about potential risks and hazards in a way that is age-appropriate. Discussing safety measures and why they are important helps them develop a sense of responsibility for their own well-being.
5. Supervision and Monitoring: Depending on the activity and your child’s age, provide the appropriate level of supervision. Be present to ensure their safety, especially in new or potentially risky environments. As they demonstrate responsibility, gradually grant more autonomy.
6. Encourage Problem-Solving: Foster problem-solving skills by involving your child in decision-making processes. Ask questions like, “What do you think is the safest way to approach this?” This empowers them to think critically about their choices.
7. Risk vs. Benefit Assessment: Evaluate the potential risks and benefits of an activity. Some activities may involve a degree of risk but offer valuable learning experiences. Assess the situation and make informed decisions together.
8. Model Safe Behaviour: Children often learn by observing. Model safe behaviour in your own actions, emphasizing the importance of wearing safety gear, following rules, and being aware of surroundings.
9. Encourage Outdoor Play: Outdoor play is essential for a child’s development. Create a safe outdoor space where they can explore nature, engage in physical activities, and learn about their environment under your watchful eye.
10. Stay Informed: Stay informed about your child’s developmental stages and the activities appropriate for their age. This knowledge allows you to tailor your approach, understanding their growing needs for autonomy balanced with safety.
Remember, the goal is not to eliminate all risk but to manage it in a way that promotes healthy development and learning. By navigating this delicate balance, you are fostering a sense of responsibility, independence, and a love for exploration in your child. Continue to nurture your child’s sense of wonder and curiosity. Encourage open communication, and remember that every day holds the potential for new adventures, big or small. By engaging in conversations about stories like Frogileena’s, you are helping your child develop a love for learning and a lifelong appreciation for exploration.
Nurturing Curiosity with Care
Parents/carers please download the worksheet below and do it along with your children.
