Matt Sprouts and the Curse of the Ten Broken Toes (Volume 1)
#1 of 3 in Matt Sprouts Series
on Goodreads (337)
What’s inside...
After accidentally injuring his neighbor, twelve-year-old Matt Sprouts believes he's been inflicted with 'the Curse,' a local myth that brings misfortune to middle schoolers. As Matt navigates the challenges of sixth grade, including a new girlfriend, quirky teachers, and a competitive soccer team, he also tries to break the Curse before it wreaks more havoc on his life. With multiple broken toes and a series of unfortunate events that follow the initial incident, Matt is determined to solve the mystery of the Curse and put an end to it once and for all.
Discussion points
What do you think Matt learned about overcoming challenges throughout his adventure?
How did Matt's friends help him break the curse? What does this teach us about teamwork and friendship?
If you were in Matt's shoes, how would you have handled the situation differently?
What was your favorite part of the story, and why did it stand out to you?
How do you think the story would change if it were set in our hometown?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, relate the challenges Matt faces to everyday situations your child might encounter, enhancing their connection to the story.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or scenarios to deepen their understanding and creative thinking.
Use expressions and voice modulations to mimic characters when discussing their roles, making the conversation lively and engaging.
Acknowledge thoughtful answers or unexpected insights your child shares, reinforcing their confidence in expressing ideas.
After the discussion, consider engaging in a related activity, such as drawing scenes from the book or writing a short story, to solidify their understanding and enjoyment of the narrative.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance through challenges
Explanation: Matt faces numerous obstacles after the curse, yet he remains determined to break it and restore his toes. His journey highlights the importance of perseverance despite difficulties.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by continuing to work hard and not giving up when facing their own challenges, be it in school, sports, or personal goals.
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the story, Matt collaborates with friends who help him in his quest. This cooperation underlines the significance of working together to overcome hurdles.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to collaborate with classmates on projects or join forces with siblings at home to achieve common objectives, fostering a sense of community and joint accomplishment.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Matt uses his wits and the resources available to him to tackle the problems presented by the curse. This illustrates effective problem-solving approaches.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically and creatively when faced with problems, finding unique solutions and making thoughtful decisions.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: As Matt navigates his adventure, he makes mistakes but uses them as learning opportunities, which contributes to his growth and success in breaking the curse.
Real-World Application: Children can be taught that mistakes are part of learning and personal growth, encouraging them to embrace challenges and learn from their errors without fear.