A New Team Player
Can Jesus Come Out and Play? Series
What’s inside...
In 'A New Team Player', the second book in the 'Can Jesus Come Out to Play' series, creator Phyllis Archer continues to depict the adventures of the main character Kevin, who has Jesus as a playmate. Phyllis, a mother, stepmother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, uses these stories to teach children important life principles. This engaging book will capture the hearts of young readers.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-12
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the new team player feel on the first day, and what would you do if you were in their shoes?
What does teamwork mean to you, and why is it important?
Can you think of a time when you had to work with others to achieve a goal? How did it turn out?
How did the characters in the story resolve their differences?
What would you have done differently if you were one of the characters in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences, such as joining a new team or meeting new friends.
Discuss the importance of teamwork and collaboration, highlighting examples from the book and real life.
Ask open-ended questions that prompt your child to think critically about the story and its characters.
Foster empathy by discussing how the characters might have felt in various situations throughout the book.
Use the book as a starting point to talk about values such as kindness, friendship, and perseverance.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: In 'A New Team Player,' the story revolves around a group of animal friends who must learn to work together to win a local sports competition. By highlighting each character's unique strengths, the book teaches that teamwork is key to achieving common goals.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson in school projects or sports where cooperation with peers will lead to better outcomes and a more enjoyable experience.
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: The book features a diverse set of characters, each with different skills and backgrounds. This diversity is crucial in overcoming various challenges throughout the story, emphasizing the importance of accepting and valuing everyone's differences.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be inclusive and appreciate diversity among their peers, fostering an environment of mutual respect and understanding in classrooms and playgrounds.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Challenges
Explanation: Throughout the competition, the team faces several obstacles that test their resolve. The characters demonstrate resilience by staying positive and persistent, ultimately leading to their success.
Real-World Application: Children learn to stay determined and maintain a positive attitude when encountering difficulties in their own lives, be it in academics, sports, or personal challenges.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Practice
Explanation: The book illustrates that regular practice is essential as the team trains for the competition. Their improvement over time shows children that success often comes from consistent effort and dedication.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to apply themselves diligently in learning new skills, whether in their studies, hobbies, or sports, understanding that proficiency comes with practice.
Example Lesson: Good Sportsmanship
Explanation: Characters in the book demonstrate good sportsmanship by showing respect to their competitors and accepting outcomes gracefully, whether they win or lose.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the value of fair play and respect in all competitive or group activities, fostering a healthy competitive spirit.