Major league baseball, 1971,
Rugrats in Paris, the movie Series
on Goodreads (3)
What’s inside...
Stu has built a camping van so the Pickleses head off on holiday. Of course, Chuckie's not sure he'll like 'cramping', he has never seen marshmallows roast over a 'vampire' before and he thinks the woods are full of ghosts, that is until Tommy shows him that camping is all about having fun!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you think about the way the teams worked together in the book?
How did the challenges the players faced in 1971 compare to challenges athletes might face today?
What did you learn about the history of baseball and how it has changed over time?
Which player in the book did you admire the most and why?
How do you think teamwork in sports can help us in other areas of our lives?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think critically about the evolution of sports and society by discussing the historical context presented in the book.
Ask your child to consider what qualities make a good team player, both in sports and in other areas of life.
Discuss the importance of perseverance and hard work, as demonstrated by the athletes in the book.
Connect the book’s themes to your child's experiences in sports or group activities, discussing any similarities or differences they notice.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: The book highlights the dynamics of a baseball team during the 1971 season, showcasing how players learn to work together to achieve common goals.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson in group activities at school or in sports, learning to collaborate and share responsibilities for better results.
Example Lesson: Perseverance and Resilience
Explanation: Major league baseball players face challenges and setbacks throughout the season. The narrative focuses on their determination to improve and succeed despite difficulties.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that persistent efforts and resilience can lead to success, even when facing obstacles in academics or personal pursuits.
Example Lesson: Fair Play
Explanation: The story emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity in the games, highlighting moments when players must make ethical decisions.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of honesty and can incorporate fair play into their playtime and interactions with peers, promoting trust and respect.
Example Lesson: Respect for Diversity
Explanation: The book portrays players from diverse backgrounds coming together, promoting inclusivity and mutual respect.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children appreciate diversity in their own communities and encourages them to respect people from different backgrounds.
Example Lesson: History and Cultural Awareness
Explanation: By exploring the 1971 baseball season, the book provides historical insights into the sport and its cultural significance in America.
Real-World Application: Children gain a broader understanding of history and culture, which can spark interest in learning more about other historical events and their impacts.