Bailey's Special Stick
#2 in Bailey's Adventures Series
on Goodreads (40)
What’s inside...
Bailey's Special Stick was written by a ten-year-old boy who combines his love for hockey and dogs in this heartwarming tale. The story follows Bailey, a dog who dreams of playing ice hockey on the backyard rink built by his owner, Dave, for his son Landyn. With Landyn away for college and the rink sitting untouched, Bailey and Dave reminisce about the days when the neighborhood kids played there. The story explores the idea of Bailey playing hockey and the thoughts of his owner, Dave, on this unusual possibility.
Discussion points
Why do you think Bailey was attached to his special stick?
What are some ways Bailey used his stick to help his friends?
How did Bailey feel when he couldn't find his stick, and what did he learn?
Can you think of a time when you helped a friend like Bailey did?
What would you do if you had a special stick like Bailey's?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to reflect on the story by asking them to relate Bailey's experiences to their own life.
Promote empathy by discussing how Bailey's actions affected his friends, and ask your child how they might feel in similar situations.
Highlight the moral lessons in the story, such as the importance of sharing and helping others, to reinforce positive behavior.
Use expressive reading techniques, changing your voice for different characters, to make the storytelling lively and engaging.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Sharing is Caring
Explanation: Bailey learns the importance of sharing when he decides to lend his special stick to a friend who forgot her toy at home. This act of kindness leads to an enjoyable day for both.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by sharing their own toys or belongings with friends, fostering a sense of generosity and cooperation.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: Throughout the story, Bailey uses his stick in various imaginative games, transforming it into a magic wand, a conductor's baton, and more, showcasing the power of imagination.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to use everyday objects creatively, enhancing their imaginative play and problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: When his stick gets stuck in a tree, Bailey must think creatively to retrieve it. He learns to assess situations and devise solutions.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face challenges calmly and think critically to solve problems in their daily activities.
Example Lesson: Friendship and Cooperation
Explanation: Bailey and his friends work together to retrieve the stuck stick, emphasizing the value of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of collaborating with others to achieve common goals in group settings like school or sports.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Bailey faces setbacks like the loss and recovery of his stick, teaching him to cope with disappointments and bounce back.
Real-World Application: Children learn to adapt to minor setbacks and persist despite difficulties, building resilience in everyday situations.