Ghost Orchid
on Goodreads (32)
What’s inside...
The 'Ghost Orchid' by Fiona Lumbers is a captivating tale that weaves the beauty of nature with the power of friendship. The story follows the journey of a young protagonist who discovers a rare and mysterious orchid that seems to have magical properties. As the protagonist delves deeper into the mystery of the orchid, they learn valuable lessons about life, relationships, and the environment.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-9
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the Ghost Orchid symbolizes in the story?
How did the main character's feelings change throughout the book?
Why do you think the author chose a ghost orchid as a central element of the story?
What would you do if you were in the main character's place?
How can we relate the story of the Ghost Orchid to real life situations?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think deeply about the symbolism of the Ghost Orchid and its importance to the story. Ask them to express their feelings and thoughts about the character's journey. Relate discussions to personal experiences or real-life events to make the conversation more meaningful. Lastly, affirm and build on their responses, fostering a supportive atmosphere for sharing ideas.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: In 'Ghost Orchid', characters show understanding and compassion towards each other's feelings, especially when dealing with difficult situations.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by learning to recognize the emotions of their peers and offering support or kindness in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: The protagonist's journey through discovering the rare Ghost Orchid illustrates the thrill and educational value of exploring the natural world.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to engage more with their environment, be it through school field trips, nature walks, or simple exploratory tasks at home or in their community.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, the protagonist faces various challenges in his quest but persists until he achieves his goal, demonstrating the importance of not giving up amidst difficulties.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to continue working towards their own goals, whether they are academic, extracurricular, or personal, even when they face obstacles.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for Nature
Explanation: The detailed depiction of the Ghost Orchid and its habitat highlights the beauty and fragility of the natural world, promoting a sense of responsibility towards its preservation.
Real-World Application: This lesson can foster a lifelong habit of environmental stewardship in children, motivating them to participate in or initiate conservation activities.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: As the characters navigate through the narrative, they encounter and solve various problems, showing critical thinking and decision-making skills.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to apply logical thinking to overcome challenges they face in school or in social settings, enhancing their problem-solving capabilities.