Not so Hot: Level 2 (Goal!)
Goal! Series
What’s inside...
The story follows a young soccer enthusiast, Danny, who struggles with his confidence on the soccer field. Despite his passion for the sport, he often finds himself on the bench. With the help of his friends and a retired soccer star, he learns the importance of perseverance and teamwork. In a parallel storyline, teammates Sam and Dan play for the Jags, and while Sam considers himself the best player, the true test of skill comes during the cup match day when it's time to score the decisive goal.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-8
Length
9 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the characters react when they faced challenges in the game?
What would you have done if you were in their shoes during the soccer match?
How do you think teamwork helped the players in the story?
Can you think of a time when you worked together with someone to achieve a goal?
What did the story teach you about winning and losing?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the discussion, allow your child to express their favorite part of the book to build excitement.
Use the key questions to guide the conversation but let your child lead with their thoughts and ideas.
Relate the book’s scenarios to real-life experiences of your child to enhance personal connection.
Encourage your child to think about the morals of the story and how they can apply them in daily life.
Praise your child for their insights and understanding to boost their confidence and engagement.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The story shows characters collaborating to win a soccer game, emphasizing that working together is more effective than working alone.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of cooperating with peers during group activities at school or in sports.
Example Lesson: Persistence
Explanation: The characters in the book face challenges but continue to strive towards their goal, demonstrating the value of not giving up easily.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to keep trying in the face of difficulties, whether in learning new skills, solving problems, or during competitions.
Example Lesson: Sportsmanship
Explanation: The book portrays both winning and losing graciously, highlighting respect for competitors.
Real-World Application: Children learn to handle wins and losses gracefully, respecting their opponents and behaving ethically in competitive situations.
Example Lesson: Goal Setting
Explanation: Characters set specific targets for their game and work towards achieving these targets.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to set personal goals and work systematically to achieve them, be it in academics, sports, or personal development.
Example Lesson: Importance of Practice
Explanation: The story highlights how regular practice leads to improvement in the characters’ soccer skills.
Real-World Application: Children understand that consistent effort and practice can lead to mastery in any field, inspiring them to dedicate time to their interests and studies.