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New Windmills: "The Swap" and Other Stories (New Windmills)

The New windmill series

4.12
on Goodreads (42)

What’s inside...

'The Fib and Other Stories' is a collection of nine stories about a boy growing up in a northern town in the 1950s and entering grammar school. The stories explore his problems, dilemmas, relationships, and comic disasters. These fast-paced and humorous stories provide an excellent class reader for Key Stage 3 students and consider questions such as whether to cheat in exams, whether to tell the truth when you stand to lose out, and how to stand up for yourself and your mates. Additionally, one of the stories depicts the boy's anxiety as he sets off on a school exchange to London, leaving behind his familiar surroundings and facing new challenges in a different environment.
Series reading

Non-Sequential

Age

9-11

Length

144 pages

Text complexity

Discussion points

How did the characters' decisions in 'The Swap' impact their relationships with others?
What feelings did you experience while reading these stories? Were there any moments that surprised you?
What do you think the main message of these stories is? How can we apply this message in our own lives?
Which character did you relate to the most and why?
If you could change one part of any story, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, validating their opinions to foster open communication.
Discuss the moral and ethical dilemmas presented in the stories, and relate them to real-life situations your child might encounter.
Use the characters’ experiences to discuss the importance of empathy and understanding in friendships and daily interactions.
Ask your child to draw a scene from one of the stories and explain why they chose it, promoting creativity alongside comprehension.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The stories in 'The Swap' revolve around characters facing various personal dilemmas, showcasing different perspectives and emotions.
Real-World Application: Children learn to put themselves in others’ shoes, helping them develop better interpersonal skills and sensitivity towards the feelings of friends and peers.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Actions
Explanation: Characters in the stories often face consequences based on their decisions, teaching readers about accountability.
Real-World Application: This lesson emphasizes the importance of thinking before acting, and helps children understand that their choices can have lasting impacts on themselves and others.
Example Lesson: Value of Honesty
Explanation: Several stories highlight scenarios where characters must choose between telling the truth or lying, with truth often leading to better outcomes.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to practice honesty in their daily interactions, understanding that truth builds trust and strong relationships.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Coping
Explanation: The characters encounter challenges that they need to overcome, illustrating resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to face difficulties with courage and to find healthy ways to cope with stress and adversity in their lives.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship and Support
Explanation: Through its characters and narratives, the book highlights how friendships can provide emotional support and aid in overcoming personal challenges.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of building and maintaining positive relationships, which can provide support and joy throughout their lives.