The Elephant Road
on Goodreads (10)
What’s inside...
One night, Wilen is woken up when his hut is tipped sideways by elephants. The elephants always travel past the village, which sits between two forest reserves. However, recently, as land is cleared for crops, they have lost their way and are destroying the harvest.
Discussion points
Why do you think the elephant in the story wanted to travel down the Elephant Road?
What are some challenges the elephant faced on its journey, and how did it overcome them?
How do you think the other animals in the story felt about the elephant's journey?
What can we learn from the elephant’s determination and courage?
If you could help the elephant on its journey, what would you do and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathetic thinking by asking your child how they would feel in the elephant's situation.
Discuss the importance of perseverance and how the elephant's journey can relate to challenges we face in our own lives.
Link the story to broader discussions about wildlife conservation and the interconnectivity of ecosystems.
Use a globe or map to trace the elephant’s journey, incorporating a fun and educational geography lesson into your discussion.
Highlight moments in the story where teamwork and cooperation come into play, and discuss these values with your child.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'The Elephant Road', children learn about empathy through the story of the elephants and their journey. The narrative allows children to see the world from the elephants’ perspective, which fosters a deeper understanding of the animals' emotions and struggles.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to consider the feelings of others in their daily interactions and understand that all creatures have emotions and deserve respect.
Example Lesson: Importance of Cooperation
Explanation: As the elephants work together to overcome obstacles on their road, children observe the power of collaboration. The story highlights how cooperation can lead to success even in the toughest situations.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding of cooperation at home, in school, or during playtime, learning that teaming up can solve problems more efficiently.
Example Lesson: Environmental Awareness
Explanation: The book introduces young readers to the concept of wildlife conservation through the elephants’ habitat and the challenges they face. This can initiate conversations about the importance of preserving nature and the roles different species play in it.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to participate in environmental conservation activities such as recycling, planting trees, or learning about different species and their habitats.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Explanation: Throughout 'The Elephant Road', the elephants encounter various challenges but continue their journey persistently. This resilience demonstrates to children that perseverance is key to overcoming difficulties.
Real-World Application: Children can reflect on this lesson when they face personal challenges, be it in learning new skills or dealing with everyday conflicts, understanding that persistence is crucial.
Example Lesson: Cultural Appreciation
Explanation: The book also touches upon the cultural significance of elephants in different communities around the world. This promotes cultural appreciation and recognition of global diversity.
Real-World Application: This lesson enables children to appreciate and respect diverse cultures and traditions they come across in school or through media, fostering a more inclusive world view.