Sam's Bush Journey
What’s inside...
A refreshing, modern story about a child named Sam who initially hates the outdoors and prefers modern technology like DVDs, iPods, and iPhones. However, his perspective changes when he stays with his Nanna, who loves the outdoors and takes him for long walks in the Australian bush. Through her storytelling and their adventures, Nanna teaches Sam about the bush, including its shelter, food, and water. Sam gradually realizes that the bush is abundant with good things, including adventure. This story is brimming with themes of journeys, the environment, storytelling, aboriginal knowledge of the bush, and intergenerational understanding, prompting discussion among young readers.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Sam felt when he first started his journey in the bush?
What are some of the important lessons Sam learned from his bush journey?
Can you describe a time when you discovered something new about a place you visited?
What are some ways Sam’s feelings about the bush changed throughout the story?
How would you help a friend who was scared or unsure about trying something new like Sam was?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the bush, relating it to any of their own experiences with nature.
Discuss the importance of perseverance and learning from one's surroundings, highlighting Sam's evolution throughout the story.
Ask your child to draw parallels between the characters and people they know or situations they've been in, fostering a deeper personal connection to the story.
Promote empathy by discussing how Sam helped and got help from others, and ask your child how they can be helpful to others in new situations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Appreciation of nature
Explanation: In 'Sam's Bush Journey', Sam learns to appreciate the beauty and importance of the natural world as he spends time exploring the bush with his grandma.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore and observe their local environments, fostering a lifelong respect and care for nature.
Example Lesson: Resilience and adaptability
Explanation: Throughout his journey, Sam faces challenges that he overcomes by adapting to new situations and listening to his grandma's guidance.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of resilience and flexibility in overcoming difficulties in their own lives, whether at school or in social settings.
Example Lesson: Importance of family and heritage
Explanation: Sam’s experience in the bush is enriched by the stories and teachings of his grandma, linking him to his cultural heritage and deepening his family bonds.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to spend time with family members, learning about their traditions and histories, which can strengthen family ties and cultural understanding.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: Sam uses his imagination to turn what initially seems boring into an exciting adventure, showing the power of a creative mind.
Real-World Application: Encouraging children to use their imagination can enhance creativity in problem solving and turning mundane tasks or situations into interesting ones.
Example Lesson: Observation and learning
Explanation: As Sam observes the flora and fauna, he learns from his grandma about their uses and importance, highlighting the value of learning through observation.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to observe and ask questions about the world around them, supporting active learning and curiosity.