Dragon 1 & 2/special gift edition (Dragon Slayers' Academy)
#1 of 20 in Dragon Slayers' Academy Series
on Goodreads (47)
What’s inside...
Welcome to the Dark Ages, where dastardly dragons rule the land and the life of a weedy boy called Wiglaf is about to change forever. There's only one place an ordinary boy can learn to be a hero - the Dragon Slayers' Academy. Join Wiglaf on his quest to take on tyrants and battle the most fearsome of beasts!
Character compass
Wiglaf
Erica
Angus
Mordred
Dragon Lady
Gorzil
Discussion points
How do you think Wiglaf felt when he first arrived at Dragon Slayers' Academy? Have you ever felt the same way?
What do you think makes a good team member during a quest or adventure? How did Wiglaf and his friends demonstrate these qualities?
If you were at the academy, what kind of dragon would you want to meet and why?
How did Wiglaf grow from his experiences at the academy? Can you think of a time when you learned something important from a challenge?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the book, ask your child what they know about dragons and knights to activate their prior knowledge and get them excited about the themes of the book.
Pause at suspenseful moments or at the end of chapters to predict what might happen next, encouraging critical thinking.
After finishing the book, encourage your child to draw their favorite scene or character. This helps them connect emotionally to the story and express their understanding through art.
Discuss the importance of friendship and teamwork as portrayed in the story, relating it to your child's experiences with friends or in school.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: In the Dragon Slayers' Academy series, the characters often work together to solve problems and overcome obstacles. The importance of collaboration is highlighted through their adventures.
Real-World Application: Children learn that by working together with others, they can achieve more and solve problems more efficiently, a crucial skill in both academic and social settings.
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: The students at the academy face fearsome dragons and other challenges, demonstrating courage in the face of danger. This theme is recurrent throughout the series.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to face their own fears and challenges, reinforcing the idea that bravery is not the absence of fear but the ability to act despite it.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: The protagonists in the book frequently encounter puzzles and dilemmas that require creative thinking and sharp problem-solving abilities to navigate.
Real-World Application: Kids are inspired to think critically and creatively when faced with their own real-life challenges, understanding that there are often multiple ways to solve a problem.
Example Lesson: Value of Education
Explanation: Characters in the series learn the history of dragon slaying and various techniques through their courses, underscoring the importance of gaining knowledge and skills.
Real-World Application: This lesson highlights the importance of education and continuous learning in achieving one's goals and bettering oneself.
Example Lesson: Humor and Joy
Explanation: Despite the challenges, the book is filled with humorous situations and light-hearted moments that demonstrate the importance of finding joy even in difficult circumstances.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of humor as a way to cope with and lighten challenging situations, making life’s journey more enjoyable.