New Mother (Cover-To-Cover Chapter Books: Settling the Colonies)
#3 in Cover-to-cover books Series
What’s inside...
After his mother's death, Daniel meets his new stepmother, a young girl his father married after paying her passage from England. Written by Tom Owens. After Daniel Purcell's mother dies in childbirth, his father soon brings home a young woman, named Katherine, as his new wife.
Discussion points
How do you think the lives of the characters in the book would change after settling in the new colonies?
What challenges do you think the new settlers faced and how did they manage to overcome them?
Can you compare and contrast your daily life with the daily life of a child in the colonies?
How did cooperation play a role in the settlers' survival and success?
What would you have done differently if you were a character in this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, give a brief introduction about the colonization period to set the context for your child.
Ask your child to imagine being in the setting of the book, and discuss what feelings and challenges they might experience.
Encourage your child to think critically by asking them to think of alternative solutions to the problems faced by the characters.
Link the story to current events or your child's own experiences to make the discussion more relevant and engaging.
Praise your child’s responses to encourage further discussion and deeper thinking about the themes of the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience and perseverance
Explanation: The book portrays the challenges faced by settlers in the colonies and how they persevered despite difficulties.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persist in solving their problems and not give up easily, whether it's in completing a school project or dealing with everyday challenges.
Example Lesson: Cooperation and teamwork
Explanation: Settlers in the book work together to build their new community, demonstrating the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the value of collaborating with others, such as working in groups during school activities or playing team sports.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: Characters in the story adapt to new environments and situations, which is crucial for their survival.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be flexible and adapt to changes such as moving to a new city, changing schools, or adjusting to any new situations.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, settlers face numerous problems that require creative solutions.
Real-World Application: It can encourage children to think creatively in resolving conflicts or overcoming obstacles, and not to hesitate in trying out new solutions.
Example Lesson: Cultural awareness and respect
Explanation: The interaction between settlers and native peoples highlights the themes of cultural exchange and respect.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand and appreciate diverse cultures and perspectives, promoting inclusivity in their interactions.