Meet Me by the Steelmen (Time-Slip Adventures)
What’s inside...
Written by the author of The Flither Pickers and Riding the Waves, Meet Me By the Steelmen is an absorbing and intriguing ghost story in which the children are involved in an exciting time-slip adventure.
Age
7-10
Length
73 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the characters' adventures through time help them learn about their own lives?
What feelings did you experience when the characters met the steelmen from the past?
Why is it important to learn about and understand history through stories like this one?
In what ways do the characters change from the beginning to the end of the book?
How would you handle a situation where you were transported back in time like the characters?
Tip: Role play these questions
To enhance your child's reading experience with 'Meet Me by the Steelmen', facilitate an open and curious atmosphere. Encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings about the book’s events and characters. Connect the story's historical elements to your child's current studies or interests in history to make it more relatable. Discuss the moral and ethical decisions characters make, and relate them to real-life scenarios your child might face. Finally, use the time-slip adventure as a fun opportunity to imagine other times and places you and your child might like to 'visit' through books.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding the value of history
Explanation: In 'Meet Me by the Steelmen,' characters travel through time, allowing readers to explore historical events and understand their impact.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by showing more interest in their own history, asking family members about their past, or exploring historical sites and museums.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding different perspectives
Explanation: The time-slip adventures in the book put characters in the shoes of people from different eras, teaching readers to see life from diverse viewpoints.
Real-World Application: Kids can practice empathy by considering how their friends or classmates might feel in different situations and being supportive.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving and critical thinking
Explanation: As characters face challenges in both their time and in historical settings, they must think critically and solve problems to navigate their adventures.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to approach challenges in school or in social settings with a problem-solving mindset, enhancing their decision-making skills.
Example Lesson: Courage and resilience
Explanation: Throughout their journeys, the protagonists must demonstrate courage to overcome fears and adapt to unexpected circumstances.
Real-World Application: Children can mirror this resilience by facing their own fears, whether it be trying out for a sports team, standing up in a class presentation, or adapting to new situations.
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship and teamwork
Explanation: The characters often rely on each other's strengths and work together to overcome challenges encountered in their journeys.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of collaborating with others, sharing responsibilities, and supporting peers in group projects or team sports.