Stone Soup: Independent Reading Purple 8
#8 of 9 in Independent Reading Gold Series
What’s inside...
In 'Stone Soup: Independent Reading Purple 8,' Katie Dale reimagines the classic folktale with themes of cooperation and community. Ideal for young readers, this version follows village inhabitants as they learn the value of sharing and working together by each contributing to a communal meal. The book features vibrant illustrations and simple text, fostering literacy skills and socio-emotional growth. Additionally, it is part of the Reading Champion series, designed to encourage independent reading skills and developed with experts from the UCL Institute of Education. 'Stone Soup' is a captivating retelling of a classic tale of cleverness and collaboration, where a mysterious stranger convinces the town to come together to make a delicious soup. The series promotes independent reading through fantastic, original stories and engaging artwork, alongside reading activities and precise grading matched to a child's reading ability to cultivate a love for reading.
Discussion points
What do you think made the villagers decide to share their food?
How do you think the soup would have turned out if everyone kept their ingredients to themselves?
What lesson can we learn about community and sharing from this story?
How did the mood of the villagers change from the beginning to the end of the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they know about making soup and if they've ever worked together with others to create something.
Pause at key moments in the story to ask how your child might feel if they were in the same situation as the characters.
Discuss the idea of sharing and cooperation in your own family or community after reading the book.
Encourage your child to think of a time when they shared something and how it made them feel.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cooperation
Explanation: In 'Stone Soup' different characters contribute what they have to make a communal meal, showing that working together can achieve greater results.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of teamwork and can apply this by collaborating with their peers on group projects or shared tasks at home.
Example Lesson: Resourcefulness
Explanation: The story highlights how characters use available resources creatively to solve a problem, such as making a nutritious soup from a stone.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think creatively in using what they have to solve problems, whether it's repurposing materials for crafts or finding new ways to entertain themselves.
Example Lesson: Generosity
Explanation: As each character adds an ingredient to the soup, the story demonstrates the value of sharing with others.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be mirrored in a child's daily life by teaching them the importance of sharing toys, snacks, or time with others.
Example Lesson: Community Building
Explanation: The act of making soup together and sharing it as a meal fosters a sense of community and belonging among the characters.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in community activities, such as local events or group projects, fostering a sense of unity and collective identity.