Karate Kids
on Goodreads (117)
What’s inside...
Join Maya and her friends at the dojo for their Saturday karate class. As a white belt, Maya is still a beginner, but she is determined to show her skills to her Sensei. With focus, balance, and determination, and a little help from her friends, Maya aims to perfect her moves, blocks, and punches. Written and illustrated by Holly Sterling, a karate champion and teacher, this book is a joyful celebration of the sport and a great primer for any child aspiring to be a karate kid.
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Maya
Sensei
Discussion points
What did you like most about how the children practiced karate in the story?
How do you think learning karate helped the characters grow or change?
If you could meet one of the characters, who would it be and what would you ask them?
Why is it important to listen carefully and follow instructions in class, like in karate?
How do you feel when you try something new, like a karate move, for the first time?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to demonstrate the action-packed scenes, mimicking karate moves gently to make reading interactive.
Pause after dramatic moments in the story to ask how your child thinks a character feels or what they might do next.
Discuss any similar experiences your child has had trying new activities or learning new skills, relating them to the story.
Encourage your child to imagine and describe their own karate adventure, fostering creativity and connection to the book’s themes.
Highlight the values of discipline and respect shown in the book, discussing how these values help in both karate and daily life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respect and Discipline
Explanation: Through the journey of learning karate, children in the book are taught to respect their coach and peers, and the importance of discipline in mastering the art.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these principles in their daily interactions at school or home, learning to treat others with respect and understanding the value of self-discipline in achieving goals.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Practice
Explanation: The book illustrates that consistent practice is essential to become proficient in karate, emphasizing that improvement is a gradual process.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the significance of persistence and effort in learning new skills, whether it's a sport, musical instrument, or academic subject.
Example Lesson: Confidence Building
Explanation: As the characters in 'Karate Kids' improve in karate, they also grow more confident in their abilities, helping them to face challenges with a positive attitude.
Real-World Application: This boost in self-confidence can help children to tackle everyday challenges with courage and optimism, encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The children in the book learn karate in a group setting, which teaches them to cooperate and work as a team, understanding that everyone has a unique role.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children appreciate the importance of teamwork in achieving shared goals, whether in sports teams, classroom projects, or family activities.
Example Lesson: Health and Fitness
Explanation: Karate Kids promotes physical activity through the engaging story of children learning karate, highlighting the benefits of staying active.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to participate in physical activities and understand the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.