The Wednesday Surprise
on Goodreads (1,030)
What’s inside...
Anna and Grandma are planning a surprise for Dad's birthday. Dad thinks he has received all his presents, but Grandma stands up and gives him the best one of all: she reads aloud the stories that Anna has taught her.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Anna felt when she was teaching her grandma to read?
Why is it important to share secrets with family members like Anna and her grandma did?
What does the book teach us about patience and perseverance?
How did the surprise at the end make you feel, and why do you think surprises are special?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they think the book might be about based on the title and cover. This sets the stage for active reading.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts on the characters’ emotions. Discuss how Anna and her grandmother might have felt during different parts of the book.
After reading, connect the story to your child’s experiences by asking if they’ve ever had a special surprise or secret and how it made them feel.
Highlight the importance of perseverance shown in the book. Discuss with your child a time they worked hard to achieve something and how it felt to accomplish it.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of family bonding
Explanation: In 'The Wednesday Surprise,' the story revolves around Anna and her grandmother spending Wednesday nights together, culminating in a special surprise. This shared activity strengthens their bond.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and prioritize time with family members, understanding that activities shared together build lasting memories and relationships.
Example Lesson: The value of reading and literacy
Explanation: Anna helps her grandmother learn to read, highlighting the importance of literacy. The grandmother's desire to read a book to her son on his birthday underlines the significance of reading skills.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to appreciate reading and motivates them to help others who struggle with literacy, reinforcing the idea that reading is a vital skill for communication and education.
Example Lesson: Generational learning and teaching
Explanation: The plot showcases a young girl teaching her older grandmother how to read, depicting a reversal of the typical learning roles between young and old.
Real-World Application: Instills the idea that learning is a lifelong process and that teaching is not confined by age—children can also be teachers, imparting knowledge to older generations.
Example Lesson: Surprise and preparation
Explanation: The story builds up to the grandmother's birthday surprise for her son, showing how careful planning and preparation lead to a heartwarming moment.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the values of planning and the joy that thoughtful surprises can bring to others, encouraging them to plan special moments for their loved ones.