Get That Ball!
What’s inside...
Tom and his grandmother are playing a game of penalty shoot-out when the ball unexpectedly escapes. As they chase the ball through various locations, including a park, a high street, the depths of the ocean, and high up in the sky, their adventure takes them on a quest to 'Get that ball!'. In a separate story, Constance Holsey, a third-grade teacher and Director of Christian Education in Sparta, Georgia, finds inspiration for her books and Sunday Children's Messages from Bible verses and observing children both at home and in her classroom. She and her husband Michael are proud parents to six children.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the main character felt when they finally got the ball?
How do you think working together helped the characters in the story?
If you were in the story, what would you have done differently?
Why do you think sharing is important, as shown in the book?
How did the characters change from the beginning to the end of the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring the story alive and keep your child engaged.
Ask your child to guess what might happen next in the story to encourage active participation.
Relate the themes of the book to your child's daily experiences, such as teamwork in play.
Discuss the emotions of the characters and ask your child how they would feel in similar situations to deepen understanding.
Encourage your child to draw or act out their favorite part of the book, enhancing connection with the storyline.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: In 'Get That Ball!', the characters work together during a game to chase the ball, demonstrating how teamwork leads to success.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of cooperating with others in group activities at school or in sports, promoting a harmonious environment.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The protagonist faces challenges in catching the ball but persists until they succeed, showing the rewards of not giving up.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to keep trying in the face of difficulties, whether in learning new skills or completing tasks.
Example Lesson: Sharing and Fair Play
Explanation: The children in the story learn to share the ball and play fairly, ensuring everyone has a turn.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the value of fairness and sharing in their interactions, promoting equitable behavior.
Example Lesson: Physical Activity
Explanation: The book highlights the fun and excitement of playing ball games, encouraging physical play.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to engage in physical activities, which is crucial for their health and development.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The characters strategize to retrieve the ball when it gets stuck, showcasing their problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to think critically and solve problems they might encounter in their daily activities.