Iron Hans
A Tale Dark & Grimm Series
What’s inside...
With the help of Iron Hans, the wild man of the forest, a young prince makes his own way in the world and wins the hand of a princess.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Iron Hans represents in the story, and why do you think he helped the prince?
How did the prince change from the beginning to the end of the story?
Why do you think the prince had to keep his promise not to reveal who helped him?
What lessons can we learn from the prince's journey and his experiences?
How do you think the story would change if the prince made different choices?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings for the story, fostering creative thinking.
Discuss the moral and ethical dilemmas presented in the book, guiding the child to understand complex themes.
Relate the themes of the story to real-life scenarios to help your child apply the lessons learned.
Use expressive read-aloud techniques to bring the characters and their emotions to life, enhancing comprehension and empathy.
Ask your child to draw their favorite scene, which can spark discussion about the story's themes and characters.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and taking risks
Explanation: In 'Iron Hans', the young prince takes the bold step of leaving the comfort of his palace to venture into the world with Iron Hans. Throughout the story, his courageous decisions lead to growth and self-discovery.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of stepping out of their comfort zones to try new experiences, which can lead to personal development and new opportunities.
Example Lesson: The value of kindness and gratitude
Explanation: The prince shows kindness to Iron Hans by setting him free, and in return, Iron Hans aids him in times of need. This mutual assistance showcases the significance of kindness.
Real-World Application: This story teaches children to help others without expecting anything in return, understanding that their actions can have a positive impact on others' lives.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and maturity
Explanation: As the prince navigates through various challenges, he learns to take responsibility for his actions, which is central to his journey towards becoming a king.
Real-World Application: This lesson emphasizes the importance of being accountable for one's actions and how taking responsibility helps in maturing and handling bigger tasks or roles in life.
Example Lesson: Transformation through trials
Explanation: The prince undergoes personal transformation and growth through various trials and errors, ultimately learning from them and improving as a person.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to see challenges as opportunities for growth, understanding that mistakes are part of learning and personal development.