Follow the Swallow
What’s inside...
Apollo the Swallow and Chack the Blackbird meet as fledglings in the garden, both learning to fly. Apollo practices flying to Africa, which Chack doubts, while Chack talks about his favorite tree's blossoms turning to berries, which Apollo doubts. As seasons change, they both learn to believe each other, solidifying their friendship. When Apollo flies to Africa, Chack tries to send a message, but worries about the distance. The story explores their enduring friendship despite challenges.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made Chack the blackbird and Apollo the swallow become good friends?
How do you think Apollo felt when he was trying to find his way south for the winter?
Why is it important to help friends who are in trouble, like when Chack helped Apollo?
What did you learn about the migration of swallows from this story?
Can you think of a time when you worked together with friends to solve a problem, just like Chack and Apollo?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the friendship between Chack and Apollo, emphasizing the moral of teamwork and support.
Discuss the concept of migration with your child. Use a globe or a map to trace the possible route that Apollo might have taken, making the story both educational and engaging.
Ask your child to imagine and describe where they might go if they could fly like Apollo, encouraging creativity and personal connection to the story.
Together, think of ways to help friends in need, relating back to the story’s themes, to instill values of empathy and kindness in real-life situations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: In 'Follow the Swallow,' the story revolves around two friends, Chack the blackbird and Apollo the swallow, who help each other. This exemplifies how valuable and rewarding friendships can be.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value their friendships and understand the importance of helping and supporting their friends in everyday situations.
Example Lesson: Understanding migration and seasons
Explanation: Apollo the swallow explains to Chack about his migration journey and the changes in seasons. This educates children on animal behavior related to seasonal changes.
Real-World Application: Kids can observe birds in their environment and discuss how changes in seasons affect their behavior, fostering a connection with nature and science learning.
Example Lesson: Perseverance in overcoming obstacles
Explanation: Throughout the book, both Chack and Apollo face challenges. Their determination to overcome these obstacles teaches children the value of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to persist in solving their own problems, whether it be completing a difficult task or resolving conflicts with peers.
Example Lesson: Effective communication
Explanation: The story highlights the misunderstandings that arise from lack of communication and the resolution that occurs when characters effectively communicate.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of expressing themselves clearly and listening to others to avoid misunderstandings and build better relationships.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and learning
Explanation: Apollo’s stories about his adventures ignite Chack’s curiosity about the world. This promotes a love for learning and discovering new things.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be curious about the world around them and to seek knowledge through books, exploration, and asking questions.