The Hockey Skates
What’s inside...
The Hockey Skates is a delightful tale about young PK Subban who eagerly anticipates the arrival of his new skates so he can skate like his hockey heroes. As winter approaches, PK faces a series of humorous setbacks, receiving skates in the wrong size, color, and style, and even an empty box. Despite these challenges, his love for hockey and unwavering optimism keep him hopeful. Illustrated by Maggie Zeng and inspired by NHL star PK Subban, this story emphasizes perseverance and the joy of hockey.
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the main character feel when they first tried on the hockey skates? Can you relate to their feelings?
What challenges did the character face while learning to skate, and how did they overcome them?
Why do you think teamwork is important, based on what happened in the story?
How did the character's relationship with their friends and family change throughout the book?
What did the character learn about perseverance and trying new things? How can you apply this lesson in your life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing a personal story about trying something new, to create a relatable context for the child.
Ask questions about the characters' emotions and actions to help your child develop empathy and understanding of the narrative.
Encourage your child to think about the lessons learned by the characters, and how those lessons could be useful in their own life.
Discuss the importance of persistence and teamwork highlighted in the book to reinforce these values.
Compliment your child's insights and contributions to the discussion to boost their confidence and engagement.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: The story demonstrates how the characters must work together during hockey games to achieve their goals, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and team spirit.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson in group activities or school projects, learning to value each member's contribution for a successful outcome.
Example Lesson: Perseverance and Determination
Explanation: The main character faces challenges with their hockey skills but continues to practice and improve, showcasing resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to not give up easily on their interests or when facing difficulties, whether in learning a new skill or solving a problem in school.
Example Lesson: Sportsmanship
Explanation: The book highlights accepting wins and losses gracefully, respecting opponents, and playing fair.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to apply good sportsmanship not only in sports but in all competitive situations in a way that fosters respect and kindness.
Example Lesson: Setting Goals
Explanation: Characters set specific targets for their hockey skills, which helps them focus and work systematically toward achieving these goals.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to set achievable goals for their academics or personal growth and understand the value of working towards them steadily.