Flipperty's Aeroplane (Tales of Hopping Wood)
Tales of Hopping Wood Series
What’s inside...
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Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Flipperty felt when he flew his aeroplane for the first time? Why?
How do you think the other animals in Hopping Wood felt about Flipperty’s aeroplane? What makes you think so?
If you could design your own aeroplane like Flipperty, what would it look like and why?
What lessons can we learn from Flipperty’s adventures?
How do you think the story would change if you were one of the characters in Hopping Wood?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin the discussion by expressing excitement about the story’s themes and Flipperty’s adventures, setting a positive tone. Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story, which enhances empathy and understanding of the characters’ emotions. Use the descriptive imagery in the book to ask your child to visualize and perhaps draw their own versions of key scenes or inventions from the book. Validate all responses to affirm your child’s thoughts and feelings, fostering a safe space for open conversation. Finally, relate themes from the book to real-life situations to help your child connect the story to their own experiences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and Adventure
Explanation: Flipperty the frog embarks on an unexpected journey when he discovers an aeroplane. Despite initial fears, he decides to explore, teaching bravery in exploring new experiences.
Real-World Application: Children can relate this to trying new activities or making new friends, understanding that it's okay to feel nervous initially but rewarding to explore new things.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: Throughout the story, Flipperty encounters various challenges that he needs to solve to navigate the aeroplane and return home safely.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically and creatively when they face problems, understanding that there are multiple ways to approach a solution.
Example Lesson: Friendship and Cooperation
Explanation: Flipperty learns the importance of seeking help and cooperating with friends he meets along the way to overcome obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of teamwork and helping each other, applicable in school projects or family tasks.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Despite the setbacks Flipperty faces, he remains determined and doesn't give up on his goal to learn how to fly and explore.
Real-World Application: This teaches children persistence in the face of challenges, whether in learning new skills or dealing with everyday hurdles.