The Riverbank
The Wind in the Willows continuation Series
What’s inside...
This is a brief, simplified retelling of the episode in 'The Wind in the Willows' during which Mole meets Rat, who takes him for a row down the river for a picnic and introduces him to many other animals there.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What feelings do you think the animals on the riverbank experienced throughout the story?
Why do you think cooperation was important for the animals in the book?
If you were one of the animals in the story, which one would you be and why?
How do you think the riverbank would change if there were no animals living there?
What is the most important lesson you learned from the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts by asking them how they would feel in similar situations as the characters.
Discuss the significance of teamwork and ask your child about times they've had to work with others to achieve a goal.
Make connections between the book and real-life by discussing your local environment and the role of animals in it.
Highlight the moral lessons from the book and relate them to your child's everyday interactions and decisions.
Use expressive reading to make the characters and the setting more vivid, which can help your child better understand the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'The Riverbank,' characters collaborate to solve problems and achieve common goals, showcasing the power of working together.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in group activities at school or in sports, learning to cooperate and value each member's contribution.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: The story emphasizes the significance of the natural world and encourages characters to interact with it respectfully and kindly.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in a child’s everyday life by participating in outdoor activities, recycling, and learning about environmental conservation.
Example Lesson: The value of curiosity and learning
Explanation: Characters in the book are often exploring new ideas and learning from their experiences, which highlights the joy and importance of staying curious and informed.
Real-World Application: Children can embrace this lesson by staying curious, asking questions, and exploring subjects that interest them, both at school and at home.
Example Lesson: Overcoming challenges with resilience
Explanation: Throughout 'The Riverbank,' characters face various challenges but manage to overcome them through persistence and resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that they can face their own challenges in life with perseverance, learning from failures and not giving up easily.