Famous Five: Five On Finniston Farm
#18 of 7 in The Famous Five Series
What’s inside...
In 'Five On Finniston Farm', the Famous Five visit a farm where they discover an old ruined castle. While exploring the castle, they unearth a hidden tunnel and find themselves on the trail of hidden treasure. Along the way, they encounter the mysterious Hardy boys, learn about the castle's history, and must outwit unscrupulous treasure hunters. Julian, Dick, Anne, George and Timmy the dog find excitement and adventure wherever they go in Enid Blyton's most popular series. In book eighteen, the Famous Five hunt for the lost dungeons of a ruined castle on Finniston Farm. The friends are determined to find them, and whatever they hide, but they are not alone. Can the Famous Five get there first? The text in this edition has been sensitively edited for today's reader and is unillustrated.
Discussion points
What was your favorite part of the adventure on Finniston Farm and why?
How did the characters work together to solve the mystery? Can you think of a time when you worked as a team?
What did you think about the character of Timmy the dog? How do you think he helped the children during their adventure?
If you were part of the Famous Five, what role would you like to play in their adventures?
What lessons do you think can be learned from the challenges the Five faced on Finniston Farm?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story by using open-ended questions. Show genuine interest in their responses to create a meaningful dialogue. Relate themes or events from the book to your child's own experiences to enhance their understanding and personal connection. Praise their insights and ideas to boost their confidence in expressing themselves. Use the discussion as an opportunity to teach values such as teamwork, bravery, and persistence highlighted in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: In 'Five on Finniston Farm', the Famous Five work together to solve the mystery of the hidden treasure. Their success is largely due to their ability to combine their strengths and work as a cohesive team.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in group activities where cooperation is key. This could be during sports, school projects, or simple family tasks, teaching them the value of working together towards a common goal.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: The characters' adventurous spirit leads them to explore Finniston Farm and uncover its secrets. Their curiosity drives the plot and shows how asking questions and exploring can lead to exciting discoveries.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to ask questions and explore the world around them. Whether it's a science project, a new book, or exploring nature, fostering curiosity can lead to learning and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, the group faces several challenges that require critical thinking and problem-solving skills to overcome.
Real-World Application: This can be mirrored in a child’s life when they encounter puzzles or difficult situations. Encouraging them to think critically and find solutions can boost their analytical abilities and resilience.
Example Lesson: History Appreciation
Explanation: As the Famous Five uncover historical artifacts and learn about the farm's history, readers get a glimpse into the past, promoting an appreciation for history.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to learn more about their own heritage or explore historical topics, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for history through books, museum visits, or conversations with older family members.
Example Lesson: Respect for Property
Explanation: In their quest, the Famous Five learn to respect the property and belongings of others, recognizing that their actions can affect those around them.
Real-World Application: Teaching children to respect other people’s belongings can be mirrored in daily tasks like borrowing items from friends or handling school resources carefully.