Introduction
There are two versions of Sammy’s Big Dream, and both are powerful, flexible tools for teaching kids about money, habits, and goal-setting.
The storybook: Sammy’s Big Dream
The activity book: Sammy’s Big Dream – Read & Color Activity Book
Each version can be used independently or together, depending on your learning goals, time, and audience.
While the story is the same in both books, each version offers unique features that support learning in different ways.
Key Differences Between the Two Versions
Format and Design
The storybook is printed in full color.
The Read & Color Activity Book is black and white, designed for coloring and hands-on engagement.
Reading Comprehension Feature
The storybook includes an optional reading-comprehension activity called “Predict the Chapter Titles.”
Predicting is a proven comprehension strategy.
Learners use clues from each chapter to predict (not guess) the chapter title—similar to a fill-in-the-blanks game.
The Read & Color Activity Book does not include this feature.
Activities and Reinforcement
Each version includes different activities at the end of the story.
The Read & Color Activity Book includes Sammy Sayings at the bottom of every page.
These sayings reinforce the main idea or action from the text on that page.
The storybook does not include Sammy Sayings.
Coloring and Engagement
Learners can color the Read & Color Activity Book.
The combination of coloring + Sammy Sayings gives instructors and learners:
An opportunity to reinforce the story’s primary lessons
An added layer of learning that deepens understanding and retention
Teaching Game Plan
Start by downloading, reading, and reviewing the FREE Trainer's Guide for Sammy’s Big Dream. The guide clearly outlines the story’s core lessons:
Dream big and set goals
Plan
Take action and work hard
Save (saving is a great habit)
Spend smart
Give wisely
You’ll also find additional discussion topics by reviewing the book description in the Sammy Store.
Before You Read
Whether you use the storybook or the activity book, always pre-read the story before sharing it with learners.
We recommend a highly active and interactive storytelling style. This approach is easy to deliver with just a little practice reading the story out loud.
You can also watch videos of me reading and telling the story to kids in our online Training Center to see this style in action.
Create Your Own “Dream Big” Read Experience
Below is a simple menu you can follow to create your own Dream Big reading experience. Feel free to pick and choose what works best for your audience—and don’t hesitate to add your own creative touches.
Menu 1: Sammy’s Big Dream — Storybook
Introduce yourself
Read Sammy’s Big Dream
Review and discuss the story
Have learners complete one or more activities at the back of the book
(Activities may be copied for classroom or group use)
Suggested Activities
What I Learned & Hidden Message
What’s Your Big Dream? (Write and draw)
The Dream Big Pledge (Recite aloud and sign)
Goal Setting (Set a savings goal)
Bonus Activity
Sing-Along: Teach learners Sammy’s signature song, Get in the Habit.
The linked webpage includes FREE downloadable activities designed specifically for the song.
Menu 2 - Sammy's Big Dream - The Read and Color Activity Book
Introduce yourself.
Read Sammy's Big Dream
Review and discuss the story
Have learners color Sammy's Big Dream. Have them color one page, a chapter or the whole story.
Review and discuss their drawings.
Review and discuss Sammy's Sayings at the bottom of each page.
Add the bonus us activity above.
NOTE: You can have Sammy's songs playing in their background while kids are doing activities. You will find Sammy's songs on Spotify and YouTube.
If you'd like additional suggestions contact us or visit our Training Center from time to time. We will post additional teaching and training tips there.