Don’t Wake The Baby

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PARENT-TEACHER GUIDE

Don’t Wake The Baby

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Country: Vietnam

Ages: 5-8

Author: Huỳnh Thị Kim Liên

Publisher: Room to Read

Illustrator: Huỳnh Thị Kim Liên

Story Source: Literacy cloud

About The Story

When a new sibling is born, it is always hard on the older ones. Though exciting, at first, suddenly having their lives change is hard. From being the center of their parents attention and recipient of their love, they are suddenly relegated to second place. The new baby takes up a lot of the parent’s time. The mother needs to catch up with her sleep, feed the baby, clean him, and put him to sleep. The older siblings may sometimes get resentful of having to adjust to the new baby’s schedule and also having to share their parents with this ‘intruder.’

Themes

Family & Friends

Social & Emotional Wellbeing

Sub Themes

New Sibling

Love and empathy

Parent-Teacher Guide

Learning Outcome

Recognize the feelings of older siblings when a new baby arrives.
Understand that parental love expands rather than diminishes with the arrival of a new sibling.
Develop empathy by exploring both sides—the baby’s needs and the siblings’ feelings.
Learn strategies for patience, cooperation, and positive adjustment during family changes.

Lesson Plan

A story-based discussion about literacy, followed by reflection activities that invite students to consider their own role in supporting others, and understanding the global importance of access to education.

Activities

Role Play (helping the baby).
Fairness Circle (sharing experiences of waiting).
Sibling Letters (draw or write something special about siblings).

Story Discussion Guide

Before reading

Ages 3–5 For (Reassurance & Comfort Focus): Show the cover, ask if they know babies in their family.
For Ages 5–8 (Reflection & Empathy Focus): Discuss fairness—“Is it fair that parents spend more time with the baby?”

During reading

For Ages 3–5 (Reassurance & Comfort Focus): Focus on Zu and Zi’s feelings when asked to be quiet.
For Ages 5–8 (Reflection & Empathy Focus): Encourage perspective-taking: “What does the baby need?”

After reading

For Ages 3–5 (Reassurance & Comfort Focus): Reassure that parents love all their children
For Ages 5–8 (Reflection & Empathy Focus): Ask how Zu and Zi’s feelings changed by the end.

Applicable Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

The story highlights the importance of nurturing the well-being of both babies and older siblings, showing how health and rest (for both mother and baby) are supported by family cooperation.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

The narrative teaches children about fairness, empathy, and inclusion within families—how love and attention can be shared equitably even when situations change.

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