If You Give a Mouse a Biscuit
Listening comprehension is fundamental to later reading comprehension. When children practise attending to a story and recalling details, they build the cognitive stamina and memory skills that support academic success. This beloved circular tale also introduces cause-and-effect relationships in an accessible, humorous format.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Piece of Cake
- Learning area: Communication and Language
- Level: EYFS 3-4, Reception
Objectives
- Listen with increasing attention and focus
- Respond to the story with meaningful and relevant comments
- Remember and retell details from the story
Materials
- "If You Give a Mouse a Biscuit" written by Laura Joffe Numeroff
- Large biscuit printouts for colouring
- Coloured pencils and crayons
- Non-toxic modelling clay
- Pictures of children's pets (requested from home in advance)
Instructions
Send a note home in advance requesting that families share a photo of their pet, or for families without pets, a drawing of a dream pet. These photos will be used during discussion to connect the story to children's lives.
Gather children in a comfortable reading area. Introduce the book by examining the cover together. Ask children to predict what might happen if they gave a mouse a biscuit. Accept all predictions enthusiastically.
Read the story with expression, allowing time for children to enjoy the illustrations. Pause periodically to ask prediction questions: "What do you think the mouse will want next?" The circular structure of the story lends itself well to these ongoing predictions.
After reading, facilitate a recall discussion. Ask children to help you remember the sequence of events: "First the mouse wanted a biscuit. Then what did he want?" Use the illustrations as memory supports.
Connect the story to children's lives by discussing their pets. Display the photos that came from home and invite children to imagine what their pets would want if given a special treat. This personal connection deepens engagement and comprehension.
Conclude with an art extension. Provide large biscuit printouts for colouring and clay for creating three-dimensional biscuits. As children work, continue discussing the story and their favourite parts.
Educator tip
Some children may not have pets at home. Be sensitive in your framing and include "dream pets" or "favourite animals" to ensure all children can participate in the discussion. The goal is personal connection, not pet ownership.
Assessment
Observe and note: ability to follow two-step instructions, use of new vocabulary in context, early problem-solving strategies, and sustained shared thinking episodes. Assess against Development Matters age-band expectations. Observe each child's attention during the reading. Note their ability to make relevant comments and predictions. Document recall of story details and sequence. Record connections children make to their own lives.