The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas (Read & Respond)
Read & respond Series
What’s inside...
Transform your school's literacy outcomes with the Read & Respond series. This engaging program is based on popular children's books like 'The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas' by John Boyne and includes a variety of activities and resources such as curriculum-mapped content, grammar sections, shared reading guides, and time-saving lesson plans. The online platform provides additional teaching resources, media, and interactive activities, fostering reading for pleasure and enhancing reading skills across all year groups. Praised by educators and authors alike, Read & Respond creates a whole-school literacy program that encourages reading and writing enjoyment. Additionally, discover the life of King Tutankhamun as detailed by Demi, set against the backdrop of ancient Egyptian religious beliefs. Born to a revolutionary pharaoh, Tut restored religious freedom and allowed his subjects to worship multiple deities. Demi uses research and artifacts from Tut's tomb to enrich the storytelling, enhanced by artwork inspired by Egyptian traditions, revealing the life of a king who has been watching us across more than 3,000 years.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Bruno
Maria
Gretel
Mother
Pavel
Shmuel
Lieutenant Kurt Kotler
Father
Discussion points
How did the friendship between Bruno and Shmuel change the way Bruno saw the world around him?
Why do you think it's important to see things from other people's perspectives?
What can we learn about bravery and speaking up from the characters in the book?
How do the different environments in the story affect the characters’ lives and choices?
What would you have done if you were in Bruno’s shoes?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story openly, without fear of judgment. Ask them to relate situations in the book to their own experiences, fostering deeper understanding and empathy. Highlight the importance of friendship, kindness, and moral courage as seen in the book. Discuss the historical context briefly to enhance comprehension of the setting and the characters' decisions. Use these conversations as an opportunity for moral and ethical development.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The story of the unlikely friendship between Bruno and Shmuel, two boys from dramatically different backgrounds, demonstrates the importance of empathy. Despite their differences, they forge a bond that transcends the physical and ideological barriers between them.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to connect with peers who may seem different from them, understanding their feelings and perspectives, and building meaningful friendships.
Example Lesson: The dangers of prejudice
Explanation: The backdrop of the Holocaust in the story highlights the destructive impact of prejudice based on race or ethnicity. Bruno’s innocence and his friendship with Shmuel serve as poignant contrasts to the harsh realities of societal biases.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to question and challenge discriminatory attitudes and behaviors they might encounter, promoting inclusivity and respect for diversity.
Example Lesson: The importance of questioning authority
Explanation: Bruno's journey in the book illustrates the significance of questioning misleading or unethical directives from authority figures, as he slowly unveils the truth about his surroundings.
Real-World Application: Encouraging children to think critically about right and wrong, and not accept information at face value, can empower them to make moral decisions and stand up for what they believe is right.
Example Lesson: The impact of war on children
Explanation: Through Bruno and Shmuel’s experiences, the book poignantly depicts how war robs children of their innocence and normalcy.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be used to discuss the effects of conflict on children globally, fostering empathy and a deeper understanding of history and current events.