The Railway Children: Guided Reading Pack (Young Reading Series Two)
#3 of 38 in Usborne young reading. Series four
on Goodreads (108)
What’s inside...
This is a collection of two sets of guided reading packs. The first set, 'Usborne Guided Reading Packs', includes six copies of a title from the 'Usborne Reading Programme' along with teacher's notes, all contained in a zip-lock case. These packs are designed to provide teachers with effective and practical classroom resources. The second set includes a collection of 25 motivating storybooks correlated with Guided Reading Level C, aimed at helping children learn to read with ease and confidence. The storybooks feature simple, repetitive text and are accompanied by a tip-filled parent guide. This collection is suitable for use with Grades PreK-2.
Discussion points
How did the children's lives change when they moved to the countryside? What would you do if you were in their place?
What qualities make Roberta, Peter, and Phyllis good siblings to each other? Can you think of ways you can be a better sibling or friend?
The children have several adventures at the railway. Which adventure was your favorite and why?
How do the children help the people they meet near the railway? What can we learn from their acts of kindness?
How do you think the story would change if it were set in today's world?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin by asking your child what they enjoyed most about 'The Railway Children' to set a positive tone. Use the questions to guide your child in relating the characters' experiences to their own life, fostering empathy and understanding. Encourage your child to imagine alternative scenarios or endings to deepen their analytical thinking. Discuss the historical setting of the story, explaining how life was different during that time, and relate it to contemporary times to enhance their contextual understanding. Lastly, highlight the moral lessons from the children's acts of kindness to reinforce the importance of helping others.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: The story illustrates empathy through the characters' frequent acts of kindness towards strangers, showing understanding despite social and economic differences.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by showing kindness and understanding towards classmates and friends who may be different from them.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family Unity
Explanation: Throughout their challenges, the siblings in 'The Railway Children' support and stand by each other, demonstrating the strength of family bonds.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to value and support their family members, fostering strong familial relationships.
Example Lesson: Resourcefulness and Problem Solving
Explanation: The children often come up with creative solutions to problems, such as waving red petticoats to stop a train and prevent an accident.
Real-World Application: Children learn to think critically and creatively to solve problems they encounter at school or at home.
Example Lesson: Courage in Adversity
Explanation: The characters face difficulties with bravery, particularly when dealing with the wrongful accusation against their father.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to remain courageous and optimistic even in challenging situations.
Example Lesson: The Reward of Perseverance
Explanation: The children's persistent efforts to prove their father's innocence and their continuous positive outlook result in his eventual return.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to persist in their efforts, be it in academic, personal, or social endeavors, understanding that perseverance often leads to positive outcomes.