Home Farm Twins 5 - Spike the Tramp
#5 in Home Farm Twins Series
on Goodreads (10)
What’s inside...
It's September, and Spike the hedgehog's first winter lies ahead. Helen and Hannah often see him tramping round the place, they are always saving him from bonfires and cars. But can they persuade him to live at Home Farm?
Discussion points
How did Spike the dog change by the end of the story, and what do you think caused these changes?
What would you do if you found a lost animal like Spike?
How do the actions of the twins in the story show kindness and responsibility?
What emotions did you feel while reading about Spike’s journey?
How can we help animals in our own community?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts on the book, and encourage your child to express what they liked most about the story.
Ask your child to think about the times they've helped someone and how it made them feel, connecting it to the twins’ experiences in the book.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings for the story and discuss the different possibilities that could’ve happened.
Discuss the importance of taking care of animals and explore together local animal welfare organizations that you could support or visit.
Praise your child's insights and empathy towards the characters to boost their confidence in expressing their thoughts and feelings.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Compassion towards animals
Explanation: In 'Home Farm Twins 5 - Spike the Tramp,' the twins show kindness and care for Spike, a homeless dog, demonstrating the importance of treating animals with love and respect.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by being gentle and considerate to pets and animals they encounter in their community or environment.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Caring for Spike teaches the twins about the responsibilities that come with looking after another living being, highlighting how dependable behavior is crucial when caring for pets.
Real-World Application: Kids learn that having a pet or a responsibility at home, such as feeding or walking a dog, requires consistent attention and effort.
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, the twins encounter challenges in finding a home for Spike but remain determined to help him. This exemplifies the importance of not giving up in the face of difficulties.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to stay persistent with their goals or tasks, whether it be in schoolwork, sports, or personal projects.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The emotional connection the twins form with Spike deepens their understanding and sensitivity towards the feelings and needs of others, including animals.
Real-World Application: Children can practice empathy by considering the emotions of their friends or family members and responding sensitively.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: In order to help Spike, the twins must come up with creative solutions and make decisions, which shows the importance of critical thinking and problem-solving.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to think critically and creatively when faced with their own everyday challenges or conflicts.