Practice Makes Better
What’s inside...
This beautifully illustrated children's book tells the story of Stephen, a great athlete who struggles with self-confidence in school. Disliking and even despising school, Stephen faces an inner battle with his identity as a student. The book encourages elementary-aged children, especially those who struggle academically, to find inspiration in Stephen's determination and to root for his success as he learns that 'Practice Makes Better!'
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-12
Length
33 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the main character's attitude towards practice change throughout the story?
What are some challenges the characters faced, and how did they overcome them?
Can you think of a time when you struggled with something new? What helped you improve?
Why do you think practice is important, even if it's not always fun?
What would you like to practice and get better at after reading this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own experiences with learning a new skill to make the discussion relatable.
Praise your child's insights and encourage them to draw parallels between their lives and the story.
Ask your child to describe their feelings about practicing and improving, linking it to the characters' emotions in the book.
Encourage your child to come up with a small, manageable goal for something they'd like to practice, discussing steps they can take to achieve it.
Ensure the conversation remains positive and constructive, reinforcing that making mistakes is a natural part of learning.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance pays off
Explanation: The story follows a young protagonist who struggles with learning a new skill but continues to practice despite difficulties. This demonstrates the value of persistence.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by continuing to work on challenging tasks at school or in extracurricular activities, understanding that persistence leads to improvement.
Example Lesson: Learning is a journey
Explanation: The narrative emphasizes that mistakes are a natural part of learning and that improvement comes gradually, not all at once.
Real-World Application: This can help children approach learning with patience, recognizing that mastering new skills takes time and that each small step is progress.
Example Lesson: Self-confidence
Explanation: As the character in the book overcomes obstacles through practice, they develop greater self-confidence.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to take on challenges, which can boost their confidence as they see their own capabilities grow through perseverance and effort.
Example Lesson: The value of constructive feedback
Explanation: In the story, the protagonist receives guidance and constructive criticism from a mentor, highlighting the importance of feedback in the learning process.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to seek out and appreciate feedback from teachers, parents, and peers, understanding it as a valuable tool for improvement rather than criticism.