The Puffin Book of Classic Children's Stories
What’s inside...
A wide-ranging anthology introducing children to the wealth of children's classics, from A CHRISTMAS CAROL to ANNE OF GREEN GABLES, offering an ideal opportunity to use the 'tasters' as a guide to their book choice. Each extract is satisfying and meaningful in its own right. The collection is chronologically organised, showing the development of children's literature over the last century.
Discussion points
Which story was your favorite and why did it stand out to you?
How would you feel if you were in the shoes of one of the characters?
What lessons do you think these stories are trying to teach us?
Did any of the stories make you think differently about something? How?
If you could create your own story to add to this collection, what would it be about?
Tip: Role play these questions
Show genuine interest in their favorite story and discuss how its themes apply to real-life situations.
Encourage empathy by asking how they would feel in a similar situation as the characters.
Discuss the moral lessons of the stories and relate them to the child’s experiences to enhance comprehension.
Invite creative thinking by encouraging them to imagine their own endings or additional characters.
Praise their insights and thoughts to build confidence in expressing their viewpoints.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Through the diverse range of characters and their experiences, children learn to put themselves in others' shoes.
Real-World Application: Kids can better relate to their peers' feelings and situations, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment at home and school.
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: Characters in various stories face challenges but overcome them through determination and resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn to not give up easily in their own lives, encouraging them to tackle homework or personal challenges with persistence.
Example Lesson: The value of honesty
Explanation: Stories in the book demonstrate repercussions of dishonesty and the benefits of being truthful.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of honesty in building trust and integrity in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: The book's rich narratives spark imagination and inspire creative thinking.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to think creatively in problem-solving at school and in play, promoting innovative thinking from a young age.
Example Lesson: Respect for diversity
Explanation: With stories from various cultures and historical contexts, children learn to appreciate diversity.
Real-World Application: This understanding helps children embrace differences in others, promoting social harmony and curiosity about the world around them.