The Sandal
What’s inside...
This is a three-part story of a lost sandal exploring yesterday, today and tomorrow all linked in a series of detailed and illuminating pictures which provide a unique introduction to history and the possibilities of a new millennium. Visiting a museum with his father and younger sister, a little boy wonders if the Roman sandal on exhibit was lost by another little girl just like his sister.
Age
7-9
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the main character feels when they try on the sandal for the first time?
Why do you think the sandal was so important in the story?
How did the actions of the characters change the outcome of the story?
What would you have done if you were in the main character’s place?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in our hometown?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use pauses after reading significant passages to ask your child how they perceive the emotions and actions of characters.
Encourage your child to draw parallels between their life experiences and the story, enhancing personal connection.
Discuss the moral or lesson of the story, asking your child what they learned and if they agree with the decisions made by the characters.
Promote empathy by discussing different characters' perspectives and motivations for their actions throughout the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'The Sandal,' the protagonist's journey of losing and recovering a beloved sandal allows children to see the impact of emotions related to loss and recovery.
Real-World Application: Children can relate this to managing their emotions when they lose something important and the joy of finding it or getting it back.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, the main character faces various challenges and learns to solve problems to retrieve the sandal, highlighting the importance of perseverance and creative thinking.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to face everyday challenges with determination, whether it's completing a difficult homework assignment or resolving a dispute with a peer.
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness
Explanation: The setting and characters in 'The Sandal' introduce children to a different cultural background, illustrating the diversity of people’s lives and experiences.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to appreciate and respect cultural differences they encounter in school and their community.
Example Lesson: Value of Sharing and Helping Others
Explanation: As the story unfolds, themes of sharing and collaboration emerge when characters help each other in the quest to find the sandal.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of helping others and working together, which can be applied in group activities or sharing tasks at home.