This book tells the story of Mac and Cheese, the loveable class guinea pigs, and their number one fan, Oliver. Determined to be a great friend, Oliver observes and copies the guinea pigs’ cuddly behaviours, but he soon discovers that his classmates don’t appreciate the same affectionate style. With guidance from his teacher and support from his friends, Oliver learns that true friendship is all about respecting personal space and finding the right ways to connect with others. This book helps students explore the importance of respecting personal boundaries while building friendships, Through Oliver’s journey, readers learn how to navigate social interactions and cultivate meaningful connections with their peers.
Why use this book?
- We can learn many things from animals. They can teach us patience, determination and love. Animals can inspire us to solve problems, consider others and be kinder people. In the case of this book, guinea pigs help teach the reader about social awareness and the importance of respecting personal boundaries.
Animal Welfare Considerations:
- Deciding to keep an animal in your classroom is a significant decision that requires thoughtful consideration. Teachers who bring animals into their classrooms are responsible under the Animal Protection Act for ensuring their well-being and preventing Teachers need to ensure they familiarize themselves with all aspects of animal care and be cognizant of possible zoonotic diseases before deciding have a classroom animal.
Ask your students:
- How do Mac and Cheese interact with each other?
- How does Oliver’s understanding of friendship change throughout the story? Give examples of moments that lead to this change.
- Just because Mac and Cheese like to snuggle, does that mean that all animals do too? Not all animals like their personal space invaded either! For example, both dogs and cats have their own personal space bubbles just like we do. It’s important to make sure that we are also respecting animals’ personal space as well.
- Why do you think personal space is important when building friendships?
- If someone is getting too close to you and causing you to feel uncomfortable, what could you do?
- What strategies do you think Oliver could use to show kindness without invading others’ personal space? What can animals teach us about kindness?
- How did Oliver’s classmates help him understand the concept of personal space? What role do friends play in helping us learn?
- What are some signs that someone might need personal space? How can we be aware of these cues?
- What are some signs that animals might need personal space? How can we be aware of these cues?
- How can you apply what you learned about friendship and personal space in future situations?
Activities:
Animals and Personal Space
- As mentioned in the discussion questions, some animals, like pigs, are very social and enjoy snuggling like Mac and Cheese, and others, like Syrian hamsters, are more solitary animals and prefer to maintain their personal space! As a class, select a variety of animals (companion and farm) that you can research to find out more about their personal space bubbles. Some specific ideas to research could include:
- How these animals interact with one another
- What signs they show when they want to be close or need their space
- How these behaviours can teach us about respecting boundaries/personal space
Friendship Journals
- Have students write in a journal for a specified amount of time (e.g., a week). Encourage them to note specific instances where they respected someone’s personal space or felt respected by others. This reflection helps students to identify positive behaviours in friendships and understand the importance of boundaries. At the end of the week, students can share their insights with the class, promoting discussion about healthy friendships and personal space.
Guinea Pig Care
- Students can research guinea pigs to learn about their care requirements, natural habitats, and social behaviours. This project allows students to explore the Five Needs of Animals – nutrition, environment, behaviour, health, and positive interactions. Students can then present their research to a group or the class, helping to promote empathy for animals and reinforcing the importance of responsible pet ownership.
Resources Related to Book:
- For additional information on keeping animals in the classroom visit our website.
- For information and resources, including short videos, on caring for guinea pigs visit the New Zealand SPCA Kids.