Big Ben
on Goodreads (1)
What’s inside...
At school, Matthew is assigned a project on interesting people in the community. His new teacher insists that he choose his older brother, Ben, as the subject. However, Matthew wants to keep Ben private as he believes he is the only one who can protect him. To make matters worse, Matthew is informed that Ben will be leaving home soon.
Age
3-6
Length
123 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes Big Ben such an important symbol in the story?
How do the characters in the book feel about Big Ben, and why do you think they feel that way?
If you could visit Big Ben like the characters did, what would you want to see or do there?
What did you learn about friendship and cooperation from the story?
How would you help a friend, just like the characters helped each other in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts about Big Ben and its significance, setting a reflective tone.
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story, asking how they would interact with Big Ben and the characters.
Discuss the importance of teamwork and ask your child about times they've worked together with others to achieve a goal.
Highlight key scenes from the book that exemplify friendship and ask your child how they felt about those interactions.
Use the story’s setting to spark a curiosity about different places and historical landmarks around the world.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding the value of time
Explanation: In 'Big Ben', the main character, Ben, learns the importance of punctuality and managing time effectively through various daily activities.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding the significance of being on time for school, completing tasks, and valuing others' time.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Ben is tasked with important duties throughout the story, teaching him to take responsibility for his actions and belongings.
Real-World Application: This lesson translates to children taking care of their toys, completing homework, and being accountable for small chores.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, Ben works together with his friends to solve problems, emphasizing the power of collaboration.
Real-World Application: Children can practice teamwork in group activities at school, in sports teams, or during group projects to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Respecting differences
Explanation: Ben encounters friends with different backgrounds and abilities, learning to appreciate and respect these differences.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to embrace diversity among their peers, promoting inclusivity and empathy in social interactions.