Diary of an Accidental Witch: Unexpected Guests
#4 of 4 in Diary of an Accidental Witch Series
What’s inside...
Friday 4th February: It feels like I've only been asleep for a minute but I can't risk being late for school today - the Very Important Witches are coming! Bea Black is determined to become the BEST witch she can be and learn EVERYTHING about magic. So when a school visit from some Very Important Witches is announced, she knows she can't miss it.
Discussion points
What would you do if you suddenly found out you had magical powers like Bea?
How do you think Bea felt when she discovered she was a witch? Can you relate to her feelings?
Bea encounters various unexpected guests in the story. How did she handle these surprises and what would you have done in her place?
What are some of the important lessons Bea learns from her adventures? Can you think of a time you learned something similar?
If you could pick any magical power, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing a personal story about a time you experienced something unexpected and how you dealt with it. This can create a comfortable space for your child to open up.
Encourage your child to think critically about the characters' emotions and reactions by asking them how they would feel or react in similar situations.
Praise your child’s responses to foster confidence and motivate them to engage more deeply with the story and its themes.
Relate the themes of the book to real-life situations or current events to help your child connect the story to the world around them.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Change
Explanation: The protagonist, Bea Black, navigates unexpected situations when she accidentally enrols in witch school. Throughout the story, Bea learns to adapt and find her place in this new magical environment.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to view changes in their own lives—such as moving to a new school or city—as opportunities for growth and making new friends.
Example Lesson: The Value of Friendship
Explanation: Bea forms friendships with unique characters who help her in her new witching duties. These relationships are pivotal in helping her overcome challenges.
Real-World Application: This story can teach children the importance of building friendships and supporting each other in overcoming day-to-day obstacles.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: Throughout the book, Bea encounters various challenges that require creative and logical thinking to resolve, particularly when dealing with the 'unexpected guests'.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to use their own critical thinking skills to navigate challenges, understanding that sometimes the first solution isn’t always the right one.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Bea learns to manage her responsibilities in the witch school, balancing her magical education with her duty to her new friends and their shared environment.
Real-World Application: Kids can relate this to their own lives by learning to balance school work, home responsibilities, and friendships responsibly.
Example Lesson: Courage and Self-acceptance
Explanation: As Bea grows more accustomed to her new world, she learns to accept her unique identity as a witch and finds courage in her own abilities.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to embrace their own differences and to face life’s challenges boldly and with self-assurance.