The Way Champs Play
What’s inside...
The Way Champs Play is an inspiring exploration of Naomi Osaka's life, from her multicultural background and Grand Slam victories to her mental health advocacy and passion for social justice. The book showcases her beliefs about being a true sports champion, emphasizing kindness, teamwork, effort, and enjoyment in the process. Additionally, inspired by her Play Academy program, it encourages kids to engage in sports with confidence and emphasizes the joy of playing and being active all day.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes someone a champion in the story and in real life?
How did the characters handle challenges? Can you think of a time when you faced a challenge and overcame it?
Which character did you admire the most and why?
What lessons did the characters learn by the end of the book?
If you were in the story, what would you do differently?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressions and voice modulation to make the story more engaging when reading aloud.
After reading a chapter, pause and ask your child how they think a character is feeling, promoting empathy and understanding.
Relate the challenges in the book to real-life situations your child might face to help them connect with the story on a deeper level.
Encourage your child to draw a scene from the book. This can help them recall details and enhance their comprehension.
Discuss the moral of the story and how it can be applied in everyday life, reinforcing the book’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: The characters in 'The Way Champs Play' work together to achieve their goals, demonstrating the importance of collaboration.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities or team sports, learning to cooperate and value each team member's contributions.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters face challenges but continue to strive forward, showing resilience.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to not give up easily in their endeavors, whether it's solving a difficult puzzle or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: Fair Play
Explanation: The story emphasizes playing by the rules and showing respect to all players, highlighting the principles of fairness and integrity.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to apply fair play in their interactions, ensuring they treat others with respect during games and in daily activities.
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: The diverse group of characters in the book teaches the value of inclusivity and acceptance.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children embrace diversity by making friends from different backgrounds and appreciating what each person has to offer.
Example Lesson: Importance of Practice
Explanation: Characters improve their skills through practice, reinforcing the message that mastery requires effort.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to consistently practice their hobbies or academic subjects to enhance their proficiency.