Down by the Dam
What’s inside...
Down by the Dam is a heartwarming story about a young boy named Jack who discovers a hidden world of adventure and friendship in the woods near his home. With the help of his new friends, Jack learns valuable lessons about courage, loyalty, and the power of imagination. This charming tale is sure to captivate readers of all ages with its timeless themes and endearing characters. In a parallel storyline, six-year-old Audu, who lives with his parents near the dam, follows his father's warnings while his cousin and other kids disregard them and get into trouble.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
21 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the animals at the dam were feeling when they met the new visitor?
How do you think the dam helps the animals who live there?
Why is it important for all the animals to work together, and what can we learn from them?
If you were to visit the dam, what would you like to do or see the most?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone new feel welcome? How did you do it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to convey the emotions of different characters, which can help your child understand and connect with the story better.
Discuss the illustrations, especially focusing on the various animals and their homes by the dam, to enhance the child’s comprehension and appreciation of the habitat.
Relate the story to your child’s experiences, such as visiting a new place or meeting new people, to make the discussion more personal and impactful.
Encourage your child to think about teamwork and community through the cooperative actions of the animals, asking how they could implement similar cooperation in their own interactions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of teamwork
Explanation: In 'Down by the Dam', the characters work together to repair the dam, showcasing how collaboration can achieve great results.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of cooperating with others to accomplish common goals, which is vital in group projects at school or in community activities.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: The book illustrates the importance of the dam to the local wildlife and the environment, teaching children to value and protect natural habitats.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to participate in environmental conservation efforts such as recycling, planting trees, or cleaning up local parks.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The story presents a problem that the characters must solve together, which involves critical thinking and resourcefulness.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children approach challenges in their lives with a positive attitude, thinking creatively to find solutions.
Example Lesson: Importance of community
Explanation: As the community comes together to fix the dam, the book highlights how every individual's contribution is valuable.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value their own role within their community, understanding that their actions have an impact on the larger group.