Lightship
on Goodreads (542)
What’s inside...
Lightships were once used to anchor in waters where lighthouses couldn't be built, such as across America's oceans and the Great Lakes. These small but steadfast ships played a crucial role in guiding sailors through calm and stormy conditions towards safety. The story in the book follows one such lightship and her dedicated crew, including a cat, as they maintain their position and operate the vessel to ensure the safety of passing ships. Readers are invited to come aboard and experience the life of the lightship crew.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think life would be like living on a lightship? How would you feel staying in one place on the water all the time?
Why do you think lightships are important for other boats at sea?
How do the crew members work together to keep the lightship running? Can you think of a time when you had to work with others to achieve a goal?
What kind of challenges do you think the lightship and its crew might face? How would you solve them if you were part of the crew?
How did the illustrations help you understand the story and setting of the lightship? What was your favorite picture?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves as part of the lightship's crew, asking them how they would feel and react in various situations presented in the book.
Highlight the teamwork aspect shown in the lightship’s crew. Discuss with your child the importance of working together and how it can be applied in their daily lives.
Discuss the historical and practical significance of lightships as depicted in the book to provide context and deepen understanding.
Use the illustrations in the book as a visual aid to discuss details about life at sea and the engineering of ships, fostering observational and analytical skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: The crew members on the lightship work together to keep the ship operational and safe, demonstrating effective teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to collaborate with others to achieve common goals in school projects or team sports.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The story shows how each crew member has specific duties that are crucial to the functioning of the lightship, highlighting the importance of responsibility.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this by taking care of their personal belongings or completing their homework on time.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The lightship and its crew must stay in position and remain vigilant under all weather conditions, showcasing perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persist through challenges, whether in completing a difficult task or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Facing harsh sea conditions and isolation, the crew exemplifies courage.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face their fears, whether it's trying out for a school play or standing up for a friend.
Example Lesson: Role of Support Systems
Explanation: The lightship serves as a guiding light to other ships, emphasizing the role of support systems.
Real-World Application: Children can see the value of being supportive and helping others in their community or family.