But What If I Don't Understand?

by C.P. Siebenhuener

But What If I Dont Understand? introduces us to an adorable little girl who learns the very important lesson of honesty, communication and self confidence. Author C.P. Siebenhuener interestingly depicts a childs insecurity and fear of admitting to not always understanding what is being taught in school and demonstrates how Danielles mom lovingly and patiently explains the importance of asking questions and having the confidence to ask for help. A wonderful and educational story for all ages! This is an eLIVE book, meaning each printed copy contains a special code redeemable for the free download of the audio version of the book

26 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2009

Reviews

[Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

But what if I don’t understand? Parents and grandparents raising school age children will have certainly or will most certainly be faced with this question by their children at some point in their education journey. As a mother of three, I’ve personally had frank discussions with all of my kids about how to deal with school subjects that they were not strongly versed in.

For my daughter, it was always math and for my sons, it was always reading but my suggestion on how to deal with what they didn’t understand was always the same. Ask questions. That’s what I liked about this simple short story. The mother doesn’t try to take on the role of the teacher, she doesn’t make excuses for the child, she doesn’t make the child feel unintelligent for not doing well on one test. She gives her sound advise that teaches her to take responsibility for her work and to learn good communication skills and she does this by example.

The mom in the story doesn’t get over agitated and stress out the already anxious child. Instead, she calmly sits down and gives her time to explain what she, Danielle, feels went wrong with this particular assignment. I loved that Mom didn’t make the child feel worse about a situation that had already put a sad face on the child’s day. The age of the child in the book isn’t disclosed but she looks to be about ten. That’s a very impressionable age.

While most parents will agree that sometimes children will run into a teacher who doesn’t like to repeat themselves, most (especially elementary age) teachers want to help. They want to know what the children don’t understand so they can address it. The Mom in this story points out that there are other children in the class who may not have grasped the concepts either who would have benefited from the teacher explaining again, maybe in a different way.

This story felt like many of the conversations that I’ve had with my own children and is very good advise for parents who may not be sure how to calm and advise a child who’s having difficulties in school. I highly recommend this short tutorial. Be sure to read the last page. It puts a very nice bit of closure on Danielle’s story.

[A.E. Curzon · Rating 5 out of 5]

“But What If I DON’T Understand?” begins with the child Danielle coming home from school, dragging her feet in an attempt to slow down the inevitable homecoming meeting with her mother. She has taken a test at school and has not done very well. Her fears cover a whole spectrum of concerns; disappointing her mother, being laughed at by her classmates and incurring her teachers wrath. Danielle’s mother, however, is very understanding and quietly explains to Danielle why she must not worry and why it is alright to ask the teacher if there is anything at all she does not understand.
This book teaches children the importance of asking questions in order to stay abreast of the rest of the class. Too many children find themselves in Danielle’s position, as they have done for generations. To not understand and to not ask is to be left behind. Both parents and children will be able to appreciate, via the straightforward, well-written and delightful dialogue, that this sort of communication problem can be overcome. This book also provides a very useful tool for educators who may well often overlook these reticent children in the classroom. The message is expressed in a sweet and sensible way by a loving parent to her child. It really is quite endearing.
I highly recommend this book to anyone whose own child may be having difficulties at school through not being able to keep up. Or one who teaches a child who is not reaching their full potential. n added bonus here is that when you purchase the Paperback version you have the opportunity to download an audio version free. That's pretty good in my opinion.

[Lisa Tortorello · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very simple solution to a problem that students of all ages encounter at one time or another. In "But What if I DON'T Understand" author C.P.Siebenhuener shows the importance of letting children know it's okay to admit you don't understand something and ask for help. As an educator myself, I have seen students both young and old refuse to ask questions for a variety of reasons. This story is a great way to broach the subject with your students or children and let them know that teachers and adults DO understand and are willing to help!

[Patricia Kubus · Rating 4 out of 5]

How difficult it could be to ask for help and special attention in front of everyone or even having the courage to ask in private. A children's story that brings out an inner struggle facing some children today in school. Everyone learns at different speeds and each subject is different to learn for each individual. I like how this book teaches a child to ask questions and not be afraid to pursue further to learn. I enjoyed reading this with my daughter, very nice.

[C.P. Siebenhuener · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of course, I loved it!!