Sense and Sensibility
Little Miss Austen Series
What’s inside...
Marianne is ablaze with fire and passion; Elinor keeps her own heat under control. Marianne seeks a man who shares her eager spirit; Elinor is in love with the polite, considerate Edward Ferrars. Their younger sister Margaret watches in bewilderment as Marianne and Elinor experience the joys and heartaches of early adult life. Is Marianne too warm or is Elinor too cold? Whose example should Margaret follow? Margaret records the dangers presented by scheming friends and deceitful lovers. Will Elinor’s sense be strong enough to support both sisters, or will Marianne’s sensibility bring tragedy? What will you learn as you read Margaret’s account?
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-11
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the characters felt when they had to make difficult choices? Can you relate to any of them?
What do you think the main message of the story is, and why is it important?
How do the sisters Marianne and Elinor handle their challenges differently? Which approach do you think is better?
Can you think of a time when you had to choose between what you wanted and what was right for your family, just like the characters in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts on the themes of the book, like family loyalty and moral integrity, to open up the conversation. Encourage your child to compare their experiences with those of the characters, which helps them connect personally with the narrative. Highlight the consequences of the characters’ actions to discuss the importance of decision-making. Use examples from the book to discuss the value of understanding different perspectives, fostering empathy and critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of emotional resilience
Explanation: In the story, the characters experience various emotional upheavals but learn to cope and adapt to life's challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to manage their emotions and recover from setbacks, helping them navigate their own experiences with resilience.
Example Lesson: The value of prudence in financial matters
Explanation: The Dashwood sisters must navigate financial difficulties, which teaches them and the reader the importance of prudent financial planning and management.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of saving, budgeting, and making thoughtful financial decisions from an early age.
Example Lesson: The significance of family and kindness
Explanation: Throughout the novel, the Dashwood family's bond and acts of kindness towards each other provide strength and comfort.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of supporting family members and being kind, fostering strong family relationships and empathy towards others.
Example Lesson: Understanding different perspectives
Explanation: Characters in the book often face misunderstandings due to differing perspectives, highlighting the importance of clear communication and empathy.
Real-World Application: Teaching children to consider and respect different viewpoints can lead to better communication skills and fewer misunderstandings in their interactions.