Snakes and Ladders
A Banana Book Series
What’s inside...
Wendy is worried about what to take to school for the display table on parents' evening, so when her grandad has to go to hospital, leaving her to look after his pet snake Slinky, Wendy pops him into her schoolbag! But then Slinky escapes, turning Wendy's special plan into a nightmare. At school she's called 'Weedy Wendy'—but Wendy isn't afraid of Slinky, Grandad's snake. When she takes Slinky to school and he wriggles out of her school bag, Wendy will brave anything to rescue him. This funny, warm story doubles as an introduction to chapter books.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-7
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the characters felt when they faced challenges in the story?
What would you do if you were in a similar situation as the characters?
How can we help others when they are facing difficulties, just like in the book?
What did you learn about making decisions from the story?
Can you think of a time when you had to overcome a challenge like the characters did?
Tip: Role play these questions
Take turns sharing personal experiences related to themes in the book, such as overcoming obstacles or helping friends.
Use expressive reading to convey the emotions of the characters, making the story more relatable and engaging for your child.
Ask your child to draw a scene from the book that was meaningful to them, and discuss why they chose that particular moment.
Encourage your child to predict what might happen next at various points, fostering their imagination and critical thinking.
Relate the moral lessons from the story to real-life scenarios to help your child apply what they've learned.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance and resilience
Explanation: In 'Snakes and Ladders,' the protagonist faces numerous challenges and setbacks while navigating through various obstacles, similar to the unpredictable ups and downs in the game. Nevertheless, the protagonist learns to keep moving forward despite difficulties.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding that setbacks are a part of life. Whether they are dealing with academic challenges or social issues, the key is to stay persistent and resilient in overcoming these obstacles.
Example Lesson: Making ethical choices
Explanation: Throughout 'Snakes and Ladders,' the protagonist is faced with several moral dilemmas and learns the importance of making the right choices even when faced with easier, unethical alternatives.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in a child’s life by teaching them the importance of honesty and integrity. Choosing the right path over shortcuts can help them build a strong moral character.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding others
Explanation: The book portrays the protagonist's journey to understanding the perspectives and struggles of others, which helps in developing empathy and deeper connections.
Real-World Application: This can translate into a child’s everyday life as it encourages them to consider how others feel before acting. It promotes kindness and empathy, important traits for building meaningful relationships and fostering a supportive community.
Example Lesson: Impact of teamwork
Explanation: As the protagonist collaborates with others to navigate the challenges presented in the story, 'Snakes and Ladders' highlights the positive outcomes that result from working together effectively.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value teamwork and see how collaborative efforts can solve problems that might seem insurmountable when faced alone. This is applicable in school projects, sports, and other group activities.
Example Lesson: Adaptability to change
Explanation: The game-like structure of the narrative in 'Snakes and Ladders' teaches the protagonist—and young readers—the importance of adapting to changing scenarios and rules.
Real-World Application: In real life, children will encounter changes that they must adapt to, such as moving to a new school or adjusting to new family dynamics. This lesson teaches them to remain flexible and open to new experiences.