Ricky's Rat Gang
#2 of 32 in I am reading Series
on Goodreads (14)
What’s inside...
Ricky's Rat Gang want to rule the supermarket - but the mice have other ideas. New readers will love 'I Am Reading' books. The entertaining stories, large, well-spaced type, and full-colour pictures are specially designed to make reading a pleasure. At night, when all the customers have left, Max, Molly, and Mel Mouse have fun nibbling treats in their supermarket home. But trouble and adventure are on the way when Ricky and his Rat Gang move in.
Discussion points
How do you think Ricky felt when he first met the rat gang? Can you share a time when you met new friends?
What do you think makes the rat gang special? What makes your group of friends special?
Ricky had to make some tough decisions in the story. Can you think of a tough decision you had to make? What did you learn from it?
Why do you think teamwork was important for Ricky and the rat gang? How do you use teamwork at school or at home?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin by expressing genuine interest in their thoughts about the book, which sets a positive tone for the conversation.
Encourage your child to relate the story to their personal experiences. This helps deepen their understanding and empathy.
Reinforce the values of friendship and teamwork discussed in the book, and connect them to real-life family or school scenarios.
Praise your child’s responses, even if they’re unexpected. This can boost their confidence in expressing their thoughts and opinions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'Ricky's Rat Gang', Ricky and his gang of rats work together to solve problems and navigate through their adventures, demonstrating that collaboration can lead to success.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning to cooperate and value each team member's contributions.
Example Lesson: Respecting differences
Explanation: Throughout the book, different characters have unique traits and strengths. Ricky's Rat Gang shows that these differences should be respected and can actually be beneficial to the group as a whole.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to appreciate diversity among their peers and understand that everyone has something valuable to offer, promoting inclusivity in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Courage and facing fears
Explanation: Ricky and his friends often face scary situations, but they learn to overcome their fears with bravery. This highlights the importance of courage in difficult times.
Real-World Application: Children learn to confront their own fears and challenges, whether it’s trying out new activities, standing up for themselves, or dealing with schoolwork struggles.
Example Lesson: Problem solving
Explanation: The characters in 'Ricky's Rat Gang' encounter various challenges that they must think creatively to resolve. This emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving skills is a key educational aspect of the book.
Real-World Application: This lesson equips children to think critically and solve problems in real life, such as resolving conflicts with friends or finding solutions to puzzles and homework.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: Actions of the characters in the book lead to various outcomes, highlighting the concept that every action has a consequence.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of making thoughtful decisions and considering the effects of their actions on themselves and others.