Rules of the Game
Football Detective Series
on Goodreads (1)
What’s inside...
Aimed at children aged 6-11, this book tells you all you need to start playing football. It gives advice on how to practise by yourself, how to play mini-soccer, and advice for players with disabilities. Clear diagrams highlight key information. An essential guide to the rules of football, this title explains to children what they have to do to get started, from mini-soccer to eleven a-side. The reader also learns about the equipment needed, what referees decide, and joining a club.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
18-99
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the main character learned by the end of the story?
How would you handle the challenges faced by the characters?
What are some rules you follow every day, and why are they important?
How do the characters change from the beginning to the end of the book?
If you could give advice to one of the characters, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own perspective on the book’s themes and ask your child if they agree or see things differently.
Encourage your child to think about how the characters' decisions and the consequences could apply to their own life.
Ask open-ended questions that require more than a yes or no answer to encourage deeper conversation.
Relate the discussions to real-life situations or decisions your child might face, to help them connect with the story on a personal level.
Praise your child for their thoughts and insights to encourage their participation and make the discussion enjoyable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respecting authority and rules
Explanation: The protagonist in 'Rules of the Game' learns to navigate various rules set by authority figures, adapting to each circumstance while maintaining personal integrity.
Real-World Application: Children will understand the importance of respecting teachers, parents, and other authority figures, while also learning when it's necessary to question rules that may not align with their values.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: The main character joins a sports team and learns the importance of working together towards a common goal, understanding different roles, and supporting teammates.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to actively participate in group activities, whether in sports, school projects, or family tasks, highlighting how collaboration leads to success.
Example Lesson: Handling defeat and success gracefully
Explanation: As the protagonist experiences both victories and losses, the story demonstrates how to accept success humbly and cope with defeat positively by learning from mistakes.
Real-World Application: Children will learn to manage their emotions during competitive activities and understand that both winning and losing offer valuable lessons and opportunities for growth.
Example Lesson: Integrity and honesty
Explanation: Throughout 'Rules of the Game', the protagonist faces ethical decisions that test his honesty and integrity, ultimately teaching him the value of being truthful.
Real-World Application: This introduces children to the concept of integrity in daily interactions and decisions, stressing honesty as a foundation for trust and respect in relationships.