Swiss Family Robinson ~ a Translation From the Original German
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What’s inside...
The Swiss Family Robinson is a novel by Johann David Wyss about a Swiss family shipwrecked in the East Indies while en route to Port Jackson, Australia. Intended to teach Wyss' four sons about family values, good husbandry, natural world uses, and self-reliance, the novel includes a series of adventures that serve as lessons in natural history and physical sciences. After their ship is run aground by a storm, the Zermatt family is abandoned by the ship's crew but manages to survive with the ship's cargo. They build a raft, reach a nearby tropical island, and establish a life there, facing and overcoming various challenges. This English translation is based on the original German text and includes illustrations signed by the artists.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
11-12
Length
388 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What skills do you think the family needed to survive on the island? How would you use those skills if you were with them?
If you could choose one character from the book to be your adventure buddy, who would it be and why?
The island is filled with different animals and plants. Which unique creature or plant would you like to learn more about?
What are some ways the family worked together to solve problems? Can you think of a time when our family worked together like that?
How do you think the story would change if it happened in today’s world?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use prompts from the book’s various survival scenarios to discuss problem-solving strategies and teamwork.
Encourage the child to relate the characters’ adventures to their own experiences, bridging the gap between the book's world and theirs.
Promote empathy by discussing the emotions and decisions of different characters, asking the child how they might feel or act in similar situations.
Engage the child's natural curiosity by exploring the flora and fauna described in the book, potentially relating it to real-life biology or geography lessons.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resourcefulness and problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout 'Swiss Family Robinson,' the family is constantly faced with new challenges on the deserted island, such as finding food and creating shelter. They use their ingenuity and the resources around them to solve these problems.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to approach challenging situations in their life creatively, using available resources to find solutions.
Example Lesson: Value of family teamwork
Explanation: The family in the book works together to overcome obstacles and make a life for themselves on the island, showing how collaboration and supporting each other are crucial.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children appreciate the importance of working together with family members or classmates to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Adaptability to change
Explanation: The Robinson family adapts to their new environment away from civilization. They learn to make the most of their situation rather than lamenting their fate.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of being adaptable in changing circumstances, such as moving to a new school or dealing with changes within the family.
Example Lesson: Respect and care for nature
Explanation: In the story, the family learns to live in harmony with nature, using its resources judiciously and understanding the balance of the ecosystem.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of respecting and protecting the natural environment around them.
Example Lesson: Educational curiosity
Explanation: The Robinson children explore and learn about the flora and fauna on the island, which feeds their curiosity and passion for learning.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore and learn about the world around them, fostering a lifelong love for education and discovery.