Jake the Snake (Animal Stories)
#1 of 70 in Animal Stories Series
What’s inside...
The story of 'Jake the Snake' from Trevor Ricketts' 'Animal Stories' series follows the adventures of Jake, a clever and curious snake who embarks on a journey through the animal kingdom. Along the way, Jake encounters various challenges and makes new friends, learning valuable lessons about life, friendship, and the importance of embracing one's unique qualities. This heartwarming tale is designed to teach children about the diversity of animals and the natural world, while also imparting moral lessons through engaging storytelling.
Discussion points
How do you think Jake the Snake feels when he meets new friends?
What would you do if you were in Jake's place during his adventure?
Can you think of a time when you felt similar to Jake? How did you handle it?
What do you think is the most important lesson Jake learned in the story?
If you could ask Jake one question, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading: Change your tone and pace to match the emotions and actions in the story. This makes the reading experience more immersive and enjoyable.
Relate the story to real life: After reading, connect events in the book to the child’s own experiences. This helps the child understand the themes and messages on a deeper level.
Encourage empathy: Ask the child how they think the characters felt during key moments in the story. This fosters empathy and emotional intelligence.
Pose open-ended questions: Ask questions that don’t have a right or wrong answer to promote critical thinking and discussion.
Create a post-reading activity: Draw a picture of Jake's adventure or write a letter to Jake. This helps reinforce the story’s themes and allows for creative expression.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Jake the Snake helps children see the world from different perspectives, particularly from that of Jake, who is often misunderstood just because he's a snake.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to empathize with peers who may seem different or face misunderstandings, promoting inclusivity.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: Throughout the book, Jake forms friendships with other animals, which help him overcome challenges. This demonstrates the value of teamwork and support.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to build and maintain friendships, understanding that cooperation can lead to overcoming obstacles in school and other social settings.
Example Lesson: Courage and Personal Growth
Explanation: Jake faces his fears by venturing outside his comfort zone, which ultimately leads to self-improvement and confidence.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to tackle their own fears, whether it's trying out for a school play, joining a new sport, or standing up for what's right.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: The story highlights Jake's resilience as he encounters and navigates various challenges throughout the book.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the importance of staying strong and positive even when faced with difficulties, a vital skill for personal development and problem-solving.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature and Animals
Explanation: Jake’s interactions with his environment and other animals teach children about the interdependence of species and the need to respect and protect wildlife.
Real-World Application: This encourages responsible behavior towards nature and promotes outdoor learning activities that respect the environment.