T.J. and the Hat-trick (T.J. (Theo Walcott) Book 1)
#2 in T.J. and the Team Series
on Goodreads (20)
What’s inside...
TJ is a new boy at Parkview School and has never played in a proper football match before. He quickly makes friends with football-loving kids, but the teachers at Parkview are not interested in football and there is no place for the kids to play. However, everything changes when Mr Wood arrives. With the help of Mr Wood and his old friend, Premier League footballer Marshall Jones, the kids and their parents fix their pitch, form a great football team, and transform the school into a place to be proud of.
Character compass
T.J.
Discussion points
What do you think motivated T.J. to strive for his hat-trick? How does teamwork play a role in his achievements?
How do the characters in the story handle challenges and setbacks? What can we learn from them?
Can you think of a time when you had to work hard to achieve something like T.J.? How did you feel when you accomplished your goal?
What qualities do you admire in T.J. and his friends? Are there any you would like to develop?
How does the author use the sport of football to convey broader life lessons in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts by drawing parallels between their personal experiences and T.J.'s journey. Ask open-ended questions to foster deeper understanding and connection to the story's themes. Validate their feelings and thoughts as they relate to determination, teamwork, and personal growth. Share your own stories of perseverance and teamwork to make the conversation more relatable and inspiring.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Through the character of T.J., the story illustrates the importance of perseverance as he faces challenges on the football field but continues to strive towards his goals.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by continuing to work hard and not giving up when they face difficulties in school or in learning new skills.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: T.J. learns the value of playing together as a team and how collaboration can lead to greater achievements than individual efforts.
Real-World Application: This encourages kids to participate in group activities, share tasks, and value each member’s contribution, whether in sports or group projects at school.
Example Lesson: Goal Setting
Explanation: T.J. sets a personal goal to achieve a hat-trick, which teaches the importance of setting clear, achievable goals.
Real-World Application: Children learn to set their own goals, such as improving a grade or mastering a new hobby, and understand the steps needed to achieve them.
Example Lesson: Handling Disappointment
Explanation: T.J. faces disappointment and learns to cope with situations when outcomes do not meet expectations, emphasizing resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson prepares children to face and accept setbacks, whether they are academic, social, or personal, and to learn from these experiences.
Example Lesson: Sportsmanship
Explanation: The book highlights good sportsmanship, showing T.J. behaving with integrity and fairness during competitive play.
Real-World Application: Kids are taught to play fair, respect others, and follow rules, valuable lessons that translate to everyday interactions and maintaining friendships.