A Satchel of School Stories
#2 in Schoolbag Series
What’s inside...
Unpack this satchel of stories and pull out an uproarious class trip to the Safari Park, a dog who becomes a teacher, a strange new classmate who can see into the future, and a whole host of many other fascinating and exciting characters. Dick King-Smith, Joan Aiken, and Robin Klein are among the authors.
Discussion points
What was your favorite story in the book, and why did it stand out to you?
How did the characters in the stories handle their challenges at school?
Can you think of a time when you felt similar to any of the characters in the book?
What lessons did the characters learn by the end of their stories?
If you could add another story to the book, what would it be about?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions to encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the stories.
Relate the stories to your child’s own school experiences to make the discussion more relevant and engaging.
Discuss the moral and lessons of each story to reinforce positive values and behaviors.
Encourage creative thinking by asking your child what story they would add to the book and why.
Praise your child’s responses to build confidence and encourage a deeper conversation about the themes in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of sharing
Explanation: Throughout 'A Satchel of School Stories,' various characters learn the importance of sharing resources and time with classmates.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by sharing school supplies or helping peers with tasks, fostering a supportive learning environment.
Example Lesson: Resilience in facing challenges
Explanation: Characters in the stories often encounter obstacles, whether academic or social, and learn to overcome them through perseverance.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to persist in solving math problems or mastering new skills, teaching them persistence and resilience.
Example Lesson: Respect for diversity
Explanation: The book portrays a diverse group of characters, each with unique backgrounds, showcasing the beauty of inclusivity.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and respect individual differences, promoting harmonious interactions in multi-cultural classrooms.
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: Several stories deal with situations where characters must choose between telling the truth and facing consequences or lying for temporary gain.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of honesty in building trust and credibility with teachers and classmates.
Example Lesson: Collaboration and teamwork
Explanation: Many stories involve group projects or teamwork, highlighting how collaboration leads to success.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to engage in group activities, learning to communicate and cooperate effectively with others.