Rules of the House
What’s inside...
Ian always follows the rules. His sister, Jenny, breaks them all the time-especially 'Don't pinch.' So Ian is thrilled when the house where his family is vacationing posts a tidy list of rules. But when Jenny breaks them all, the house itself decides it's time for payback. The rug, the stove, and the bathtub are hungry for rulebreaker soup, and they've found the perfect ingredient: Jenny! Now Ian is faced with a thorny question: What if saving your sister means breaking the rules?
Age
4-8
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Ian
Jenny
Father
Bear Rug
Discussion points
What do you think about the rules Ian follows in the house? Do you think all rules are important?
How do you feel when you have to follow rules that you don't like?
Why do you think it was important for Ian to break the rules to save his sister?
How did Ian change from the beginning of the story to the end? Have you ever changed your mind about something important?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the story, emphasize the importance of rules and their purpose but also explore situations where flexibility might be necessary.
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences with rules at home or school, fostering a deeper personal connection with the book's themes.
Ask your child to imagine and discuss different endings for the story based on different choices the characters might make.
Reinforce the understanding that sometimes being brave means admitting you've changed your mind, as Ian did in the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Following Rules
Explanation: In 'Rules of the House', the story emphasizes following house rules through the characters Ian and Jenny, showcasing the consequences when rules are ignored.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding and adhering to rules set at home or school, recognizing that they are in place for their safety and well-being.
Example Lesson: Courage to Face Fears
Explanation: The protagonist, Ian, demonstrates bravery when confronting his fears to save his sister, illustrating that courage can lead to positive outcomes.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to confront their own fears, whether it’s trying something new or standing up for what is right, reinforcing that courage is a valuable trait.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Accountability
Explanation: Ian’s journey in the book teaches about taking responsibility for one’s actions and the importance of being accountable for the choices one makes.
Real-World Application: This lesson aids children in understanding the importance of owning up to their actions and learning from their mistakes, fostering a sense of responsibility.
Example Lesson: The Power of Teamwork
Explanation: When Ian and Jenny work together, they manage to overcome the obstacles in the story, showing how teamwork can accomplish what might not be possible alone.
Real-World Application: Children learn that cooperating with others, whether in group activities or collaborative tasks, can lead to achieving shared goals and resolving conflicts.