Speedboats
How does it work? Series
on Goodreads (5)
What’s inside...
Learn about the mechanics behind your favourite vehicles with these exciting books. In 'Speedboats', early fluent readers learn about the science, engineering, and physics that keep these boats afloat. Vibrant, full-color photos and carefully leveled text engage young readers as they learn about these exciting machines.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes speedboats go so fast and how do they differ from other boats?
Can you describe a speedboat race from the story and tell me what you liked most about it?
Why do you think people enjoy racing speedboats?
What kind of safety measures do you think are important when riding or racing in a speedboat?
If you could design your own speedboat, what special features would it have and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use lots of visual aids like pictures or videos of speedboats to make the discussion more engaging and understandable for your child.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts by asking follow-up questions based on their responses to the initial questions.
Connect the story to real-world applications by discussing the science behind how boats float and move, or the sport of boat racing.
Promote creativity by asking them to draw their ideal speedboat or describe a fantasy speedboat race.
Show genuine interest in their responses and thoughts, making sure to listen actively and validate their feelings and ideas.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The book showcases crews working together on speedboats to achieve their racing goals, emphasizing the importance of working collectively and supporting each other.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of cooperating and contributing in group settings such as school projects or team sports.
Example Lesson: Safety Awareness
Explanation: Through the depiction of safety gear and precautions taken by the speedboat racers, the book instills the significance of safety measures in high-speed activities.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to always prioritize safety by wearing helmets while biking or fastening seatbelts in a car.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Characters in the book overcome challenges and setbacks during the races, which illustrates the value of determination and never giving up despite difficulties.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by persisting in solving difficult tasks or continuing to practice a skill they are initially not good at, understanding that effort leads to improvement.
Example Lesson: Respect for Competition
Explanation: The book portrays respectful interactions between competing teams, highlighting sportsmanship and respect for opponents.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to remain gracious in competitive situations, whether in academics, sports, or other competitions, respecting others' efforts and abilities.
Example Lesson: Interest in Marine Engineering
Explanation: By describing various aspects of speedboats, their design, and functionality, the book sparks curiosity about marine engineering and the mechanics of boats.
Real-World Application: This could inspire children to explore more about engineering, participate in science fairs, or engage in building and mechanics-oriented play.