Please Don't Chat to the Bus Driver
#3 in Bloomsbury paperbacks Series
What’s inside...
The bus is late, the queues are long, all the animals are waiting, some more patiently than others. When the bus arrives each animal is told in turn, 'Please don't chat to the Bus Driver'. But no animal can resist just a few words. Soon the bus driver is so busy listening that his bus is later than before, it goes the wrong way, it drives round and round the round-about and even hits a bush. When the battered, late bus eventually collapses, all the animals disembark and wait for the next bus. When it arrives they are told again - 'PLEASE DON'T chat to the Bus Driver'. Guess what they do?
Discussion points
What do you think would happen if everyone started talking to the bus driver at once?
Why is it important for the bus driver to focus on driving?
How do you feel when you see the characters interacting with the bus driver?
Can you think of other situations where it's important to let people concentrate on their jobs?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child how they feel about bus rides and if they’ve ever noticed the bus driver.
Encourage your child to think about the role of a bus driver and the responsibilities they hold.
Discuss the importance of respecting others' duties and the impact of distractions in different settings.
Relate the story to personal experiences, like times when they needed to focus and required calmness from others.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Following Rules
Explanation: The story emphasizes the consequences of distracting the bus driver, which can lead to unsafe conditions.
Real-World Application: Children learn to understand and respect rules designed for safety in various environments, such as schools or on the road.
Example Lesson: Understanding Responsibilities
Explanation: The bus driver's responsibility is to safely transport passengers, which is compromised when distracted.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by recognizing the importance of allowing individuals to focus on their tasks without interruptions, whether it’s a teacher in class or a parent driving.
Example Lesson: Respect for Authority
Explanation: By showing the bus driver’s challenges, the book teaches respect for those in authority roles who have critical duties.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children interact respectfully with adults in supervisory positions, acknowledging their roles and contributions.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Actions
Explanation: The book illustrates how the children’s chatting leads to a chain of comedic yet instructive events, showcasing the effects of their actions.
Real-World Application: It serves as a fun reminder for kids to consider the potential impact of their actions on themselves and others around them.