The Lough Neagh Monster
on Goodreads (9)
What’s inside...
When NESSIE arrives from Scotland to visit her monster cousin NOBLETT there is bound to be trouble. Noblett loves his peaceful secret garden and has little time for his troublesome cousin from Loch Ness.
Discussion points
What do you think the Lough Neagh Monster looks like and why?
How did the characters' feelings change throughout the story?
What would you do if you met a monster like the one in the book?
Why do you think the monster behaved the way it did?
What is the most important lesson the story teaches us?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine and describe their version of the Lough Neagh Monster, fostering creativity.
Discuss the emotions of the characters at different points in the story to enhance empathy and emotional understanding.
Ask your child how they would react in similar situations as the characters to gauge their problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Explore the motives behind the monster’s actions to teach perspective-taking and critical thinking.
Highlight the moral of the story and relate it to real-life scenarios to reinforce values and lessons learned.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: The protagonist confronts the mythical Lough Neagh Monster, illustrating the theme of bravery.
Real-World Application: Children learn to tackle new challenges and face their own fears, whether it’s trying out for a sports team or speaking in front of the class.
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: Characters in the book collaborate to solve the mystery surrounding the monster, highlighting cooperative efforts.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to work together in group settings like school projects or team sports, enhancing their social and cooperative skills.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and discovery
Explanation: The young characters’ quest to learn more about the monster drives the plot, showcasing the value of curiosity.
Real-World Application: Kids are motivated to explore, ask questions, and learn about the world around them, fostering a lifelong love of learning.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: The story's setting around Lough Neagh emphasizes the beauty and mystery of natural environments.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to explore and protect the natural areas in their own communities, promoting environmental consciousness.
Example Lesson: Understanding and empathy
Explanation: As the characters learn more about the monster, they develop empathy rather than fear, changing their perspective.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to be understanding and empathetic towards those who are different from them, aiding in social inclusivity.