The Wagon
Special Kids Of Sharon Series
What’s inside...
A young boy is sustained by his family as he endures the difficulties of being a slave, but when he finally gains his freedom, his joy is tempered by the death of President Lincoln.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the characters in 'The Wagon' feel when they were on their adventure? Can you relate to any of their feelings?
What do you think the wagon symbolizes in the story? Why is it important?
If you were to join the characters on their journey, what would you bring along in the wagon and why?
How do the characters change from the beginning to the end of the book? What do you think caused these changes?
What was your favorite part of the story, and why did it stand out to you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story by asking open-ended questions. Relate the themes of the book to your child's experiences to make the conversation more personal and engaging. Listen actively to your child’s responses and show genuine interest in their ideas, fostering a supportive environment for discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: The story portrays a group of children working together to build a wagon. Through collaborative efforts, they learn to share ideas and resolve conflicts.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these skills in group projects at school or in playing team sports, understanding the importance of working together to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Innovation
Explanation: As the characters in the book design their wagon, they use different materials and ideas, showcasing creativity and problem-solving abilities.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think creatively in their daily activities and schoolwork, exploring multiple solutions to problems they encounter.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Care
Explanation: The children take turns in maintaining the wagon and caring for it, teaching them responsibility and the importance of taking care of their belongings.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the value of being responsible for their personal items and shared spaces, translating to better management of their toys and school supplies.
Example Lesson: Perseverance and Resilience
Explanation: The story highlights moments where the children face setbacks in building the wagon but continue to try until they succeed.
Real-World Application: This lesson is vital in teaching children to not give up easily on their tasks and goals, be it in academics or personal hobbies, fostering resilience from a young age.