How to Speak Dragonese
#3 of 12 in How to Train Your Dragon Series
on Goodreads (16,402)
What’s inside...
In the third installment of the How To Train Your Dragon series, Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III teams up with his dragon Toothless to embark on a thrilling journey to become a hero. Their adventure involves braving the stormy seas, outsmarting the Roman Army, and learning how to speak Dragonese. This book is part of a successful series that has sold 7 million copies and inspired hit movies.
Discussion points
How do you think Hiccup felt when he was trying to communicate with the dragons? Can you relate to a time when you tried to communicate with someone who didn’t speak the same language?
Why is friendship important in the story? How do the friendships impact the outcomes of the events?
What lessons did Hiccup learn about bravery and leadership throughout his adventures?
If you were in Hiccup’s shoes, how would you have handled the situation with the Romans?
How do the dragons in the story differ from one another? What do you think these differences say about how we judge others based on appearances?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Hiccup's shoes, fostering empathy and a deeper understanding of the character’s challenges and triumphs.
Discuss the theme of communication barriers not just in the book, but also in real life, enhancing your child's social awareness.
Explore the concept of leadership with your child by asking what qualities they think make a good leader, based on Hiccup's experiences.
Utilize the unique characters in the book to discuss the importance of diversity and acceptance.
After discussing each question, relate the morals back to your child’s daily experiences to solidify the understanding and relevance of the book’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Friendship and teamwork
Explanation: In 'How to Speak Dragonese,' the protagonist, Hiccup, learns the value of friendship and teamwork as he collaborates with his friends to overcome challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by working together with their peers in school projects or sports, understanding that collaboration can lead to greater success.
Example Lesson: Courage and resilience
Explanation: Throughout the book, Hiccup faces various dangerous situations, but he shows courage and determination. His resilience in adverse situations is a central theme.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to be brave in the face of difficulties, whether it be standing up for themselves or others, or trying again after a setback.
Example Lesson: Understanding and tolerance
Explanation: Hiccup's interactions with dragons and other characters different from his own kind bring forward themes of understanding and tolerance.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of embracing diversity and understanding people from different backgrounds, helping them to be inclusive and empathetic in real life.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The protagonist frequently uses his wit and intelligence to navigate tricky situations, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and problem-solving.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be reflected in how children approach conflicts or challenges, encouraging them to think creatively and find solutions.
Example Lesson: Personal growth and self-discovery
Explanation: As Hiccup learns more about his abilities and the world around him, he grows more confident and self-assured.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to explore their own interests and talents, and to be confident in their unique qualities and abilities.