The Floating House
What’s inside...
In 1815, the McClures sail their flatboat from Pittsburgh down the Ohio River and settle in what would later become Indiana. The McClure family takes a flatboat containing all their worldly belongings down the Ohio River to Indiana, where they take the boat apart and use the wood to build their new home.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What emotions do you think the characters felt as their house floated down the river? Why do you think they felt that way?
How did the scenery change as the house moved? What new things do you think the characters saw?
Why is it important for the characters to adapt to their new surroundings? How would you adapt if you were in their situation?
What are some ways the family in the story supported each other during their journey? How do we support each other in our family?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading: Change your tone and pace while reading to emphasize the emotional highs and lows of the story. This helps children grasp the emotional context of the narrative.
Point out illustrations: Discuss the illustrations, asking your child what they see and how it relates to the story. This can help them understand the environment and setting better.
Relate to personal experiences: Connect events in the book with personal experiences or similar situations that your child might have encountered to make the themes more relatable.
Encourage empathy: Ask your child how they would feel if they were each character. This fosters empathy and deeper understanding of the characters' perspectives.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Adaptability through change
Explanation: The story of 'The Floating House' unfolds as a family moves their entire house down the river, facing various challenges along the way. The family's ability to adapt to changing circumstances and unforeseen events is a central theme.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of being flexible and adapting to new situations, whether it's moving to a new school, welcoming a new family member, or any other significant change.
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the journey, the family in 'The Floating House' must work together to navigate the river and solve problems. Their teamwork is crucial to their success.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in a child’s everyday life through participating in team sports, group projects at school, or collaborating with siblings during household chores, teaching them the value of cooperation and collective effort.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The challenges that the family encounters while moving their house on a floating platform test their resilience and determination.
Real-World Application: Children learn that perseverance and a positive attitude can help them overcome difficult times, whether it’s dealing with a tough subject at school or persisting in learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for nature and environment
Explanation: As the family travels along the river, they encounter various landscapes and wildlife, promoting a narrative that appreciates and respects the natural world.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to explore the outdoors, engage in environmental conservation activities, and understand the impact of human actions on nature.