Dancing with Ben Hall
on Goodreads (41)
What’s inside...
Jackie French's short stories are based upon real people and real events, both historical and contemporary, that treat Australian life honestly and without undue sentimentality. A wonderful collection of stories by one of our most successful authors, all of Jackie French’s books are in demand and this collection is no exception. These stories provide children an insight into Australian history and contemporary life in a very personalized way as they are drawn from Jackie's own family histories and experiences, including a grandmother who danced with Ben Hall, a true story of shipwreck survival, and much more.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-12
Length
176 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the characters' decisions change the course of the story?
What emotions did you feel while reading about Ben Hall's adventures?
How would you handle a situation similar to Ben's?
What can we learn about friendship from the characters in the book?
If you could give Ben Hall one piece of advice, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a calm and curious tone when asking questions to encourage open conversation.
Relate the story’s events or moral lessons to real-life situations your child might face to make the discussion more relevant.
Allow your child to express their thoughts and opinions without interruption, validating their feelings to promote a safe sharing environment.
After the discussion, engage in an activity related to the book’s theme, like drawing or role-playing scenarios from the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of teamwork
Explanation: The story showcases characters working together to organize a dance event, illustrating how cooperation can lead to successful outcomes.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in their community, learning to collaborate and respect others' ideas.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: Characters in the book face various obstacles while planning the event, but they persist and find creative solutions, emphasizing the importance of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to not give up easily when facing difficulties in schoolwork or personal projects, encouraging them to find alternative ways to achieve their goals.
Example Lesson: Celebrating diversity
Explanation: The book includes characters from diverse backgrounds coming together to dance, highlighting the beauty of cultural diversity and inclusivity.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and embrace cultural differences in their classmates and neighbors, fostering a more inclusive community environment.
Example Lesson: The joy of creativity
Explanation: Through dance choreography and music selection, the characters express themselves creatively, showing that art is a form of personal and communal expression.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to explore and engage in creative activities such as drawing, dancing, or writing, helping them to express their feelings and thoughts in artistic ways.
Example Lesson: Importance of celebrating achievements
Explanation: At the end of the event, characters celebrate their successful dance, reinforcing the importance of recognizing and celebrating one's achievements and efforts.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to take pride in their accomplishments, whether big or small, and celebrate them with friends and family.