Ahoy! A Pirate Goes to See!
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Max is in 2nd grade and loves everything related to pirates, especially his parrot, Coco. Initially excited about school, Max finds himself daydreaming, unable to finish his work, and struggling to read. He begins to doubt his intelligence, but eventually discovers the real issue behind his difficulties.
Discussion points
What do you think life is like as a pirate on the high seas?
How did the pirate in the story show bravery?
If you were part of a pirate crew, what role would you choose and why?
What lessons can we learn from the pirate's adventure?
How do you think the pirate felt when he found the treasure?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive voices for different characters to make the reading experience more vivid and engaging.
After reading the book, ask your child to draw their favorite scene. This can help them express their understanding and perspective of the story.
Encourage your child to predict what might happen next at various points in the story to enhance their inferential thinking skills.
Relate the themes of the story to your child’s experiences, such as discussing a time when they had to be brave.
Discuss the moral of the story and what your child can learn from the pirate's adventure to deepen their comprehension of the theme.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: In the story, the pirate crew must work together to navigate the seas and find treasure. They share tasks and listen to each other's ideas, demonstrating effective teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of cooperating with others, whether it's during group projects at school or when playing sports with friends. This fosters social skills and the ability to work collaboratively.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: Throughout their journey, the pirates face various challenges such as stormy weather and solving riddles. The protagonist shows critical thinking and problem-solving abilities to overcome obstacles.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to think on their feet and approach problems with a strategic mindset, which can help in academic settings and personal decisions.
Example Lesson: Courage and Resilience
Explanation: The main character, despite being afraid, bravely leads the crew through dangerous adventures. His resilience in facing fears and uncertainties highlights the value of courage.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face their fears and understand that it's okay to feel scared sometimes, but courage comes from acting despite those fears — a valuable lesson in resilience.
Example Lesson: Respect for Diversity
Explanation: The pirate crew is made up of characters from various backgrounds and cultures, which is celebrated throughout the book. This introduces themes of inclusivity and respect for others.
Real-World Application: Promotes an understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures and perspectives in a child's daily interactions at school and in the community.
Example Lesson: Importance of Literacy
Explanation: The pirates often read maps and riddles to find their treasure, emphasizing the importance of reading and comprehension skills.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to develop their reading skills which are crucial for academic success and everyday tasks.