The Dog Squad: The Newshound
#1 of 3 in The Dog Squad Series
on Goodreads (3)
What’s inside...
Three budding journalist friends and their faithful hound uncover top local news stories in this delightful new series about family, friends and DOGS! Eva has always wanted to be a journalist, so when she finds a stray dog outside her home, she might just have found her first big story.
Discussion points
What do you think makes Spud the dog a good reporter? Can you think of a time when you had to investigate something like Spud?
How did the characters in the book show teamwork? Why is teamwork important?
If you were a member of the Dog Squad, what role would you choose and why?
What did the characters learn from their adventures in the story? What did you learn from them?
How do you think the story would change if it happened in our neighborhood?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the adventures of the Dog Squad to their own experiences. Ask them to imagine being in the characters’ shoes, fostering empathy and creative thinking. Highlight the importance of teamwork and curiosity as demonstrated by Spud and his friends. Use the story as a springboard to discuss values such as bravery, friendship, and determination. Encourage your child to predict possible scenarios in different settings, enhancing their analytical skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and cooperation
Explanation: In 'The Dog Squad: The Newshound', the dogs must work together to solve the mystery, demonstrating the power of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of collaborating with others, which can be applied in group projects at school or in playing sports.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and problem-solving
Explanation: The protagonist, a keen newshound, uses his curiosity and investigative skills to gather clues.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be inquisitive and use critical thinking in their daily encounters, from solving puzzles to understanding how things work.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The dog characters take on responsibilities to help solve the case, showing the importance of being dependable.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the value of fulfilling their duties, such as completing homework or performing chores.
Example Lesson: Persistence
Explanation: Despite challenges, the squad persists until the mystery is solved, teaching resilience.
Real-World Application: Instills the merit of perseverance in the face of obstacles, relevant in learning new skills or improving in areas like sports or academics.
Example Lesson: Integrity
Explanation: Through honest reporting and ethical sleuthing, the dogs maintain integrity, showcasing its importance.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of honesty in all aspects of life, from being truthful in communication to acting ethically.