Ian Takes Flight
on Goodreads (3)
What’s inside...
There is no greater joy for young Ian than spending holidays at his godmother's rural, Caribbean home. He always enjoys nature and the company of his plant and animal friends, but this time he meets a new companion who shows him a magnificent place of adventure and abundant beauty. With thoughtfulness and courage, Ian shines bright like a star as he explores a hidden world of limitless imagination. This is a summer that will stay with Ian for the rest of his life.
Age
5-9
Length
52 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you think about Ian's adventure? How would you feel if you were in his place?
Why do you think Ian was excited to fly? What excites you the most?
How did Ian overcome his fears? Can you recall a time when you faced your fears?
What do you think the clouds felt like to Ian? How would you describe them?
If you could fly anywhere like Ian, where would you go and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child about their favorite part of the story to establish a positive tone for the conversation.
Use open-ended questions to encourage your child to express their thoughts and engage their imagination.
Relate discussions to your child's experiences, asking them to compare their feelings to Ian's during key moments in the book.
Encourage your child to describe imaginary adventures, fostering creativity and deeper connection to the story’s themes.
Listen actively to your child’s responses and show enthusiasm for their ideas to build their confidence in expressing themselves.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing the unknown
Explanation: In 'Ian Takes Flight', the protagonist, Ian, overcomes his fear of heights as he embarks on a magical sky-high adventure. His bravery in stepping out of his comfort zone is a core theme.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by embracing new experiences, whether it’s trying out a new activity at school or making new friends, thereby learning to overcome their own fears and uncertainties.
Example Lesson: The power of imagination
Explanation: Ian's journey through the skies is fueled by his vivid imagination. The narrative highlights how his creative thoughts allow him to experience extraordinary adventures.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to cultivate their imagination, which can enhance problem-solving skills and creativity in everyday tasks and play.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship
Explanation: Throughout his adventures, Ian is accompanied by his faithful dog, Max, demonstrating the value of companionship and trust.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of building and maintaining friendships in their own lives, learning to be a supportive friend while enjoying shared experiences.
Example Lesson: Perseverance through challenges
Explanation: As Ian navigates through various challenges during his flight, he showcases resilience and determination, never giving up despite obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to persist in the face of difficulties, whether in their academic endeavors or personal pursuits, reinforcing the message that perseverance is key to success.
Example Lesson: Joy in sharing stories
Explanation: After his adventure, Ian is eager to share his story with others, illustrating the joy found in storytelling and expression.
Real-World Application: This lesson promotes the importance of sharing experiences and stories, helping children enhance their communication skills and enriching their emotional understanding and empathy.