Secret Room Sleepover 1
#1 in Sleepover Series
on Goodreads (34)
What’s inside...
Jo tells the story of her great-aunts, Diana and Rosie, who discover a ghost in a secret room of an old country house. The ghost, a girl, insists that nothing in the room be disturbed. Despite the warning, Rosie takes a pair of scissors, prompting the ghost to begin haunting them. The hauntings escalate until the ghost attacks Diana, leading to a climactic confrontation.
Discussion points
What would you do if you discovered a secret room? How would you feel?
Which character in the book did you relate to the most and why?
How do you think the characters felt during their sleepover? Have you ever felt the same way?
What do you think the main message of the story is?
If you could add another adventure in the secret room, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine their own secret room. Ask them what it would contain and why.
Discuss the characters' actions and decisions throughout the book to foster empathy and understanding.
Use the book’s themes to connect with your child’s own experiences with friendship and adventure.
Draw parallels between the story and real-life scenarios to help them relate the lessons learned to their own life.
Praise your child’s responses to nurture confidence and encourage them to express their thoughts and ideas freely.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of sharing
Explanation: In the story, the characters learn to share their space and belongings during the sleepover, leading to a more enjoyable experience for everyone.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by sharing toys, books, or snacks with their friends or siblings, fostering a sense of community and cooperation.
Example Lesson: Respect for others' feelings
Explanation: The characters demonstrate empathy by acknowledging and respecting each other's feelings, especially when someone feels scared or uncomfortable.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in real life by encouraging children to consider their peers' emotions before acting, helping to build more respectful and understanding relationships.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Throughout the sleepover, the children face small challenges that they must solve together, such as deciding on a game to play that everyone enjoys.
Real-World Application: Children can use this lesson by working together to find solutions to everyday conflicts, such as dividing responsibilities among siblings or finding a fair way to take turns.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship
Explanation: The story highlights how shared experiences like a sleepover can strengthen bonds and create lasting memories among friends.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to nurture their friendships through shared activities and experiences, recognising the long-term benefits of strong interpersonal connections.
Example Lesson: Courage to try new things
Explanation: The sleepover setting introduces characters to new games and activities, teaching them the joy and personal growth that comes from stepping out of their comfort zones.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to embrace new opportunities in school or in extracurricular activities, helping them to grow more confident and versatile.