The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors
What’s inside...
You’ve played the game. Now read the legend of how it all began. Long ago, in the Kingdom of Backyard, there lived a warrior named ROCK. In the Empire of Mom’s Home Office, another great warrior, PAPER, sought battle. Meanwhile, in the Kitchen Realm's Junk Drawer, a third warrior, SCISSORS, made her home. These three were the strongest, smartest, and fastest in all the land, defeating various odd foes. But when they finally meet, an endless epic battle ensues, leading children worldwide to play ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS! This laugh-out-loud picture book from bestselling creators Drew Daywalt and Adam Rex shares the epic tale behind the classic game.
Age
5-8
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Rock
Scissors
Paper
Discussion points
What do you think Rock, Paper, and Scissors were feeling when they couldn’t find worthy opponents?
Why do you think each character behaves the way they do? Can you relate to any of their feelings?
If you were to add another character to the game, who would it be and what would be their strength?
What do you think is the moral of the story? How can we apply that lesson in our everyday life?
How can understanding Rock, Paper, or Scissors' perspectives help us in resolving conflicts or making decisions?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your thoughts on the game of Rock, Paper, Scissors before reading the book to create common ground.
Encourage your child to express their ideas and feelings about each character to foster empathy and insight.
Discuss the concept of strengths and weaknesses presented in the book by relating them to real-life scenarios.
Pose hypothetical scenarios involving the characters to help your child think critically and creatively.
Highlight the importance of fair play and healthy competition as discussed in the story to instill these values.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Conflict Resolution
Explanation: The story humorously portrays how conflicts can be resolved through the game of Rock Paper Scissors, highlighting the importance of fair play and respect.
Real-World Application: Children learn to handle disputes with peers in a non-violent manner and understand the value of finding peaceful solutions to disagreements.
Example Lesson: Courage to Face Challenges
Explanation: Each character in the book, Rock, Paper, and Scissors, faces challenges that seem unbeatable until they meet each other, teaching courage and perseverance.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to tackle their own challenges without fear, understanding that difficulties are a part of life and can be overcome.
Example Lesson: Appreciating Diversity
Explanation: Rock, Paper, and Scissors all have unique strengths which help them succeed in different challenges, showcasing the importance of diverse abilities and perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and celebrate differences among their peers, promoting inclusivity and teamwork in real-world situations.
Example Lesson: The Joy of Play
Explanation: The book celebrates the simple, yet profound joy of playing games, emphasizing how play can be both fun and meaningful.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to engage in play as a valuable part of learning and interacting with others, fostering social skills and creativity.
Example Lesson: Self-Discovery Through Adventure
Explanation: As the characters embark on their adventurous games, they learn more about their own strengths and weaknesses, portraying the journey of self-discovery.
Real-World Application: This motivates children to explore new activities and interests, helping them to understand and develop their own unique qualities.