The Empty Lot
What’s inside...
Harry Hale owns a vacant lot that he hasn't visited for years and considers selling it, thinking it's just an empty plot. However, upon visiting, he is surprised to find it teeming with life, leading to a change of heart. This story serves as a plea for conservation and highlights the significance of every ecosystem, no matter how small.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
1 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the empty lot represents in the story?
How did the characters' actions change the lot over time?
What emotions did you feel when the lot changed?
Can you think of a place that reminds you of the empty lot?
How can we make unused spaces in our community more beautiful?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to visualize the empty lot by asking them to draw it as it appears at different points in the story.
Discuss the concept of change and transformation, relating it to real-life examples that your child might have observed.
Ask your child to think about how working together can solve problems, drawing parallels to how the characters interacted in the book.
Listen actively to your child’s opinions and feelings about the story, validating their thoughts and encouraging them to explore deeper meanings.
After reading, take a walk with your child to a local park or vacant lot and discuss what it could become with some care and creativity, connecting the story to the real world.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Value of Teamwork
Explanation: In 'The Empty Lot,' children work together to transform a neglected space into a vibrant community garden.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of collaborating with others to achieve common goals, which can be applied in school projects or neighborhood initiatives.
Example Lesson: Respect for the Environment
Explanation: The story illustrates the positive impact of greening urban spaces and encourages environmental stewardship.
Real-World Application: Kids can engage in recycling, caring for plants, or participating in local clean-up days to take care of their environment.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Problem Solving
Explanation: As the characters in the book think of innovative ways to improve the empty lot, they demonstrate creative problem solving.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to think creatively in their daily life, finding new uses for old items or brainstorming solutions to challenges they face.
Example Lesson: Community Involvement
Explanation: The transformation of the lot highlights the importance of community engagement and working towards a common vision.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to participate in community activities, understand community needs, and contribute positively to their surroundings.
Example Lesson: Persistence and Perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters face challenges but persist in their efforts to rejuvenate the lot.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of perseverance in the face of obstacles, be it in their academic pursuits or personal projects.