At the Airport
Reading roundabout. Series
What’s inside...
The 'Reading Roundabout' series is a collection of non-fiction books designed for newly independent readers. Each book contains no more than 70 words and features photo word banks to help with unfamiliar vocabulary. The series covers a range of topics that are familiar to the target age group and makes cross-curricular links to other subjects. The books were compiled in consultation with literacy experts Diana Bentley and Dee Reid.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-10
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think happens at an airport? Can you describe the different activities you saw in the book?
How do you think the pilot feels when flying a plane? What about the passengers?
Can you remember any of the jobs that people do at the airport from the book? Which job would you like to do and why?
If you were going on a trip, what would you pack in your suitcase after reading this book?
Why is it important for everyone at the airport to do their job carefully?
Tip: Role play these questions
Relate the story to a personal travel experience the family had, to make the connection more vivid and meaningful.
Encourage your child to draw a picture of an airport or a plane, using the book illustrations as inspiration.
Discuss the different emotions that travelers might feel—excited, nervous, or curious—tapping into the child’s empathy and understanding.
Take turns guessing what might happen next in the airport scenarios described in the book to stimulate prediction skills.
Focus on the importance of teamwork at the airport and in day-to-day life, asking the child to think of other examples where teamwork is essential.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding different roles and responsibilities
Explanation: The book introduces children to various jobs at the airport, from pilots to baggage handlers, illustrating the importance of every role in the smooth functioning of air travel.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to appreciate diverse jobs and responsibilities in their community, helping them understand how everyone's work contributes to the society.
Example Lesson: Importance of safety and security
Explanation: Through depictions of security procedures and personnel, children learn why rules and guidelines are in place to ensure everyone's safety.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding to follow rules and guidelines at school or in public places, recognizing their purpose in maintaining safety.
Example Lesson: Learning about different cultures and places
Explanation: The book features various flights to different countries, providing an opportunity for children to learn about new places and cultures.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to be curious about the world, promoting an openness to cultural diversity and a desire to learn more about people from different backgrounds.
Example Lesson: Patience during travel
Explanation: ‘At the Airport’ portrays various scenarios such as waiting for boarding and luggage collection, teaching children about the patience required during travel.
Real-World Application: This can help children develop patience in their daily activities, understanding that some processes take time to be completed.
Example Lesson: Coping with new environments
Explanation: The book shows different characters navigating through the bustling environment of an airport, highlighting how they adjust and cope with the new setting.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children adapt to new environments such as changing schools or moving to a new place, teaching them resilience and adaptability.