The Railway Children
Usborne young reading. Series four
What’s inside...
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. It is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. To ensure a quality reading experience, this work has been proofread and republished using a format that seamlessly blends the original graphical elements with text in an easy-to-read typeface. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant. The Railway Children is a children's book by Edith Nesbit, originally serialized in The London Magazine during 1905 and first published in book form in 1906. It has been adapted for the screen several times, of which the 1970 film version is the best known.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-12
Length
334 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the children felt when they had to move from their home to the countryside? Can you relate to their feelings?
What do you think about the children's adventures near the railway? What would you have done in their place?
The children helped many people throughout the story. Which act of kindness was your favorite and why?
How do the children's actions change the opinions of the adults around them?
What did you learn about the importance of family and community from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story. Use the questions to delve deeper into the children’s motives and reflections on their actions. You could relate the scenarios in the book to personal experiences or current real-world situations to make the discussion more relatable. Highlight the moral lessons and ask your child how they can apply these in their daily life. Most importantly, listen actively, showing interest and appreciation for their insights.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: The children in 'The Railway Children' frequently demonstrate empathy by helping others around them, such as the Russian exile and the injured boy at the railway.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to understand and share the feelings of others, encouraging them to be supportive and kind to their peers and family members.
Example Lesson: Importance of family unity
Explanation: Throughout their adventures, the siblings in the story support each other and their mother during difficult times, showcasing the strength of familial bonds.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of being there for family members and working together to overcome challenges.
Example Lesson: Resourcefulness and problem-solving
Explanation: The children often come up with clever solutions to problems, such as when they prevent a train accident by signaling with red petticoats.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to think creatively and act decisively when faced with problems, enhancing their ability to navigate everyday challenges.
Example Lesson: Justice and integrity
Explanation: The story highlights the importance of standing up for what is right, as seen when the children help prove their father’s innocence.
Real-World Application: This lesson instills the values of honesty and righteousness, inspiring children to advocate for justice in their own lives.
Example Lesson: The power of hope and perseverance
Explanation: Despite the hardships they face, the children remain hopeful and continue to persevere, ultimately seeing their efforts rewarded when their family is reunited.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of maintaining hope and persisting in their efforts, regardless of the obstacles they encounter.