Reading Champion: Dick Whittington: Independent Reading Orange 6
Reading corner. Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Follow the adventurous tale of Dick Whittington and his loyal cat as they seek fortune and happiness in London. This book, expertly penned by Sarah Snashall, is crafted to support children transitioning to more independent reading. The narrative structure helps to boost reading confidence and comprehension skills, integrating elements that align with children's developmental stages. Emphasizing perseverance and the importance of friendship, 'Reading Champion: Dick Whittington' not only entertains but also imparts significant moral lessons, making it a valuable addition to a young reader's collection.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Dick Whittington
The Cat
Alice Fitzwarren
Master Fitzwarren
The Cook
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Dick Whittington to keep trying despite the challenges he faced?
How did the different characters in the story help Dick Whittington on his journey?
What would you have done if you were in Dick Whittington’s shoes when he faced a big obstacle?
Can you think of a time when you had to work hard to achieve something? How does it compare to Dick Whittington’s experience?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in today’s world?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Dick Whittington’s shoes to foster empathy and deeper understanding of the character’s feelings and decisions.
Discuss the resilience shown by the characters, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and offering personal anecdotes of overcoming obstacles.
Relate the story to your child’s experiences by drawing parallels to their life, enhancing their connection to the narrative.
Use the story as an opportunity to teach moral lessons, such as the value of hard work and honesty, and ask your child how these values could be applied in their daily life.
Highlight the historical and cultural setting of the story to expand your child’s understanding and appreciation of different times and places.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance pays off
Explanation: Dick Whittington faces various challenges but never gives up on his dream of becoming a successful merchant. His determination eventually leads him to prosperity.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persistence and hard work in achieving their goals, whether in academics, sports, or personal projects.
Example Lesson: Kindness and generosity
Explanation: Throughout his journey, Dick Whittington's generous acts towards others, including his loyalty to his cat, demonstrate the value of kindness.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to be considerate and caring towards others, fostering a nurturing and empathetic environment at home and school.
Example Lesson: Working towards self-improvement
Explanation: Dick Whittington constantly seeks to improve his circumstances and learns from his surroundings, reflecting the importance of self-improvement and adaptability.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to embrace learning opportunities and adapt to changes and challenges in their lives.