Dog That Called the Signals
Matt Christopher Sports Readers Series
What’s inside...
During a crucial football game, Mike, the quarterback, receives assistance from his unusual dog Harry when his coach is unable to call plays from home due to an injury. This book is a sequel to 'The Dog That Stole Football Plays' and follows the continued adventures of Mike and Harry as they work together to overcome obstacles on and off the field.
Why read this book
- Encourages teamwork and cooperation among young readers.
- Illustrates importance of perseverance through challenges.
- Combines sports excitement with valuable life lessons.
- Enhances vocabulary and comprehension through engaging narrative.
The Big Picture
- Promotes teamwork and cooperative skills
- Enhances understanding of roles and responsibilities
- Encourages communication and problem-solving
- Ideal for discussions on community and inclusion
What parents love
- Great for sparking kids' imagination!
- Handles tough topics with ease, very age-appropriate.
- Entertaining and educational, perfect combination!
- My child was hooked by the story, loved it!
Diversity & Representation
- Features teamwork among diverse characters in a sports setting.
- Introduces cultural sportsmanship norms from different backgrounds.
- Promotes inclusive teamwork showing effective communication.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-7
Length
28 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the relationship between Mike and his dog, Harry, impacted Mike’s ability to lead the team?
What challenges did Mike face and how did he overcome them with Harry’s help?
How do you feel about how the teammates reacted to Harry? What would you do if you were in their place?
What lessons do you think Harry teaches Mike about teamwork and leadership?
When faced with tough decisions, how important do you think courage and support from friends or pets are?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before discussing, ensure your child has understood the story. Ask them to summarize the book in their own words.
Encourage your child to express their opinions about the characters and events in the book, validating their feelings and perspectives.
Relate the themes of the book to your child’s experiences — for example, ask if they have ever felt a bond with a pet that helped them in some way.
Discuss the moral and ethical choices made by characters in the book. Encourage critical thinking by asking what your child might have done differently in a similar situation.
Use the themes of leadership and teamwork from the book to inspire discussions about working with others in school or in sports teams.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: In 'Dog That Called the Signals,' the presence and actions of a dog on the football field teach the players about unexpected cooperation and teamwork.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to embrace teamwork in school projects, sports, and family activities, understanding that every member has a unique contribution.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: The story showcases how players adapt to the unusual scenario of having a dog on their team, highlighting the importance of flexibility.
Real-World Application: Children learn to be flexible when faced with new or unexpected situations, whether it’s a change in routine or adapting to new rules at school.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The team must figure out how to integrate the dog’s presence into their game strategy, demonstrating critical problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically and develop solutions in challenging or unusual circumstances, be it in academics or personal interactions.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Characters in the book learn to take responsibility not only for their roles in the game but also for the well-being of the dog.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of being responsible for others, such as caring for pets or helping in household chores.
Example Lesson: Embracing Uniqueness
Explanation: The book celebrates the unique contributions of the dog, reinforcing the lesson that everyone has something special to offer.
Real-World Application: Children can appreciate individual differences and unique qualities in themselves and others, promoting inclusivity and self-esteem.