Reading Champion: Helpful Jack and the Giant: Independent Reading Purple 8
Reading champion Series
What’s inside...
In 'Helpful Jack and the Giant,' young readers are introduced to Jack, a kind and helpful protagonist who encounters a giant in need. The story is a twist on the classic Jack and the Beanstalk tale, with a focus on the themes of kindness, cooperation, and friendship. As Jack assists the giant with various tasks, they both learn the value of working together and the importance of being a good friend.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-7
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think Jack was willing to help the giant, and how would you feel in his place?
What are some ways that Jack shows he is a good friend? Can you think of a time when you helped a friend like that?
How do you think the giant felt when Jack helped him? Have you ever been helped by someone unexpectedly?
What do you think is the most important lesson Jack learned from his adventure?
If you were to write another chapter of the story, what would happen next?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, relating it to their own experiences where possible.
Ask your child to describe the characters and settings, enhancing their attention to detail and comprehension skills.
Discuss the moral of the story and its applications to everyday life to reinforce the values of kindness and helpfulness.
Use the discussion to bridge connections with real-life scenarios where similar morals can be applied, enhancing ethical thinking.
Prompt your child to imagine alternative endings or continuations of the story to foster creativity and narrative skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Helpfulness
Explanation: The character Jack consistently demonstrates helpfulness throughout the story by assisting the giant with various tasks.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be proactive in offering help at home or in school, enhancing their social interactions and responsibility.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Jack encounters problems that require him to think creatively, such as finding ways to assist the giant without getting in the way.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically and develop problem-solving skills that are applicable in academic and social settings.
Example Lesson: Courage and facing fears
Explanation: Despite his initial fear, Jack bravely interacts with the giant and finds ways to be useful.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to face their own fears and understand that being brave can lead to new friendships and experiences.
Example Lesson: Cooperation
Explanation: Jack and the giant work together to accomplish tasks, demonstrating the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of working with others to achieve common goals, a skill vital in classroom projects and family activities.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Jack shows empathy by recognizing when the giant needs help and choosing to act kindly.
Real-World Application: This can guide children in understanding the feelings of others and responding with compassion in their interactions.