The Swiss Family Robinson or, Adventures on a Desert Island
What’s inside...
When the ship's crew evacuate without them, the Robinson family are left to survive a great storm alone. The ship survives the night, and the family soon find themselves on a tropical desert island. The book covers more than ten years with the Robinson's exploring various environments and building homes and gardens in various sites about the island. Throughout their adventures the Robinson's wonder if they will ever again rejoin the rest of humanity. The Swiss Family Robinson was intended to teach Johann David Wyss' four sons about family values, good husbandry, the uses of the natural world, and self-reliance. Wyss presents adventures as lessons in natural history and physical science. Wyss' attitude toward education is in line with the teachings of Jean-Jacques Rousseau and many chapters involve Christian-oriented moral lessons such as frugality, husbandry, acceptance, and cooperation. This cloth-bound book includes a Victorian inspired dust-jacket, and is limited to 100 copies.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-12
Length
288 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the Robinson family felt when they were stranded on the island? What would you feel in their situation?
What are some ways the family used their skills and resources to survive? Can you think of a situation where you had to use what you had to solve a problem?
Which family member's role do you find most interesting and why?
If you were on a deserted island, what three items would you want to have with you and why?
How do you think the story would change if it occurred in today's world?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in the shoes of the Robinson family, fostering empathy and imagination. Use comparisons between the family's resourcefulness and everyday problem-solving scenarios that your child might encounter. Highlight the aspect of teamwork and ask your child about times they have worked with others to overcome challenges. Discuss the historical context and differences in lifestyle to broaden your child’s understanding of the world.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resourcefulness and innovation
Explanation: Throughout the story, the Robinson family uses their knowledge and creativity to survive and thrive on an uninhabited island. They make tools, grow food, and build shelter from the resources available to them.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to use their imagination and problem-solving skills to make the best of their situation, whether it is creating a game from limited materials or finding a unique solution to a problem at school.
Example Lesson: The importance of family cooperation and teamwork
Explanation: The Swiss Family Robinson showcases how the family members support and rely on each other to overcome challenges. Each member contributes in different ways according to their abilities.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the value of working together with family and friends to achieve common goals and overcome obstacles, emphasizing the strength found in unity.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Despite numerous challenges and unknowns, the Robinson family remains hopeful and adapts to their new life with a positive attitude.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to remain hopeful and resilient when faced with difficulties, understanding that with persistence and a positive outlook, they can manage and overcome tough situations.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature and sustainable living
Explanation: Living on an island, the family learns to live in harmony with nature, taking only what they need and making sustainable choices to maintain their environment.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be mindful of their environment, promoting behaviors like recycling, conserving water, and appreciating wildlife, which are crucial for sustainable living.