Summary
The story “When do hippos play” is a rhyming book by Daniel Errico. This is a story that takes readers through the life of a hippo (Errico, 2021). The author explains that after the elephants and rhinos have gone to rest after a long day, the hippos get ready to start their day because they think the rhinos and elephants are fools (Errico, 2021). The hippos float in water, feed on the grass growing on the riverbed, and dry their bodies by shaking and stomping. Early morning when the sun begins to rise, the hippos return to the river after a long night of feasting (Errico, 2021). At this time, the rhinos and elephants wake up to start a new day. The story ends with elephants and rhinos wondering what the hippos do at night when they are asleep.
The Cognitive Level of Thinking that Might be Enhanced
The story develops a cognitive level of thinking, such as remembrance and understanding. Remembering brings memories of previous information, experiences, and activities learned (Cheng & Tsai, 2016). The process involves retaining materials that are vital for learning. Lack of the ability to remember makes one lack the gains of training, practice, or experience. The other cognitive level of thinking enhanced is understanding; this is gaining knowledge about something of great importance, such as an event in a book (Cheng & Tsai, 2016). After reading this book, the child will understand why hippos come out of the water at night and return during the day.
Illustrations have been used in this story to bring a visual appeal. They help children understand the text better. The author also uses photos of the animals in the story to help children associate objects and actions with words (MacKay et al., 2017). This enables the child to comprehend the words to be fluent. Additionally, they assist learners in understanding what they are reading. In addition, they help children form opinions about characters and settings. Pictures further help in gauging the intentions of the author and contribute to the story. The author has also used colors to help young children develop imaginations (MacKay et al., 2017). This is one of the reasons why books made for children need to have vivid illustrations and colors. They also help the children to relate the words, sentences, and actions. Finally, the author has used rhyming such as Nile and while, or heat and feet to bring musical or aesthetic effects while reading the story.
Talking to children about what they have read is one of the best ways a parent can support a child’s literacy development. A child needs to practice critical thinking when reading a book (Errico, 2021). Examples of questions parents might ask a child after reading this book for further development of their social skills are;
References
Cheng, K. H., & Tsai, C. C. (2016). The interaction of child-parent shared reading with an augmented reality (AR) picture book and parents’ conceptions of AR learning. British Journal of Educational Technology, 47(1), 203-222. Web.
Errico, D. (2021). Stories for kids: When do hippos play? Stories for Kids. Web.
MacKay, K. L., Ricks, P. H., & Young, T. A. (2017). Supporting young writers with award‐winning books. The Reading Teacher, 71(2), 177-187. Web.