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Ghosts Can't Play Hockey

4.62
on Goodreads (13)

What’s inside...

Bruce, a young ghost, loves hockey but faces opposition from his dad who believes ghosts should focus on scaring and spooking. Despite this, Bruce is determined to play hockey with other kids. On Halloween, Bruce comes up with a clever plan to make his dream come true, leaving readers wondering if he will succeed or if his hopes will be dashed.
Series reading

Non-Sequential

Age

4-8

Length

32 pages

Text complexity

Discussion points

What do you think the ghost learned by the end of the story?
How would you feel if you met a friendly ghost like the one in the book?
Why do you think the ghost wanted to play hockey?
Can you imagine other sports ghosts might be good at? Why?
What does this story teach us about inclusion and trying new things?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin the conversation by recapping the plot of the book together to ensure your child has grasped the story.
Encourage empathy by asking how they would react in similar situations as the characters.
Use the question about other sports to broaden the discussion to include thinking creatively and outside the box.
Highlight the moral of inclusion and new experiences, and relate it to your child's personal experiences with trying new activities or making new friends.
Ask open-ended questions that require more than a 'yes' or 'no' answer to encourage deeper thinking and engagement.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: In 'Ghosts Can't Play Hockey', the characters must work together to teach the ghost how to play hockey, highlighting the importance of collaboration and cooperation.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in group activities or team sports, learning to collaborate and value each member's contribution to achieve a common goal.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The book depicts characters practicing repeatedly to improve their hockey skills, demonstrating that persistent effort can lead to success.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to keep trying in their own pursuits, such as learning a new skill or overcoming challenges in schoolwork, emphasizing that perseverance often leads to improvement and achievement.
Example Lesson: Inclusivity
Explanation: The story involves a ghost who wants to play hockey, teaching children the importance of including everyone, regardless of their differences.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the value of inclusiveness in their everyday interactions, promoting a more accepting and diverse environment at school and in playgroups.
Example Lesson: Sportsmanship
Explanation: Characters in the book show good sportsmanship by playing fair and showing respect to all players, including the ghost.
Real-World Application: Children learn to apply good sportsmanship by treating others with respect during games and activities, understanding that how you play the game is just as important as winning.
Example Lesson: Imagination
Explanation: The fantastical element of a ghost playing hockey sparks imagination among young readers, showcasing that creativity can make any activity more enjoyable.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use their imagination in play and storytelling, enhancing their creative thinking skills and making everyday activities more fun and engaging.

Ghosts Can't Play Hockey by Ben Jackson, Sam Lawrence, Tanya Zeinalova