SPW Adventures: The Need for Speed
#2 of 3 in SPW Adventures Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Slate, a spirited young Labrador Retriever with boundless energy, is challenged by a much faster dog at daycare. Follow Slate as he learns the value of recognizing and embracing your unique strengths and how working together can lead to success.
Discussion points
What do you think makes the SPW team work so well together when they are racing?
How did the characters handle challenges during the race? Can you think of a time when you faced a challenge and how you dealt with it?
Which character did you relate to the most, and why?
What do you think is the most important lesson to learn from the SPW Adventures?
If you were part of the SPW racing team, what role would you choose and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child to summarize the story. This can help gauge their understanding and recall of the book.
Relate the themes of teamwork and perseverance in the book to real-life situations your child may face, such as working on group projects or learning new skills.
Encourage your child to describe their favorite part of the book and explain why it stood out to them. This can lead to deeper discussions about characters and plot.
Discuss the importance of speed in the story and in real life. Explore when speed is beneficial and when it might be important to slow down.
Prompt your child to think creatively by asking how they would write the next adventure for the SPW team.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of teamwork
Explanation: In 'SPW Adventures: The Need for Speed', characters must work together to build a race car, demonstrating that collaboration is key to achieving goals.
Real-World Application: Children learn to cooperate with others in group projects or team sports, understanding that every member’s contribution is important.
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: The characters face challenges in designing the fastest car, but they keep trying new ideas. This shows that persistence in the face of obstacles is crucial.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to keep trying in their academic studies or learning new skills, even when it seems difficult.
Example Lesson: Respecting competition
Explanation: Characters learn to respect their competitors, appreciating the spirit of healthy competition rather than feeling envious.
Real-World Application: Kids are taught to view their peers as equals and to embrace challenges in competitive situations, such as sports or academic contests.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters encounter technical problems that require creative solutions, highlighting the importance of thinking critically.
Real-World Application: Children can apply problem-solving skills in everyday situations, enhancing their decision-making and critical thinking capabilities.
Example Lesson: Joy of learning
Explanation: As characters experiment with different designs, they learn from each trial, instilling a love for learning and innovation.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore new areas of interest and to view learning as an enjoyable, lifelong process.