The Wind Wagon
What’s inside...
Determined to reach the gold and silver mines in Colorado in 1860, Sam Peppard prepares to make an innovative vehicle that will get him there more quickly than a wagon and soon succeeds in doing so, despite the endless teasing by all those around him. Reprint.
Age
7-12
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think about the journey that the characters went on in 'The Wind Wagon'? How did it change them?
Can you imagine what it would be like to travel in a wind wagon? Where would you go and what would you see?
How did the characters work together to overcome challenges? Can you think of a time when you had to work with others to solve a problem?
What was your favorite part of 'The Wind Wagon' and why?
If you could add another character to the story, who would they be and what role would they play?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring the story to life, changing your tone and volume to match the action. Ask your child to predict what might happen next at different points in the story, encouraging them to think critically about plot development. After reading, relate themes or situations from the book to your child’s own experiences, fostering personal connections to the story. Encourage creative thinking by asking your child to draw their favorite scene or to write a short story about another adventure involving the characters.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Innovation and Creativity
Explanation: The story follows characters who build a wagon propelled by the wind, showcasing their ability to think creatively and solve problems with unique solutions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to think outside the box and use their imagination to overcome challenges in everyday tasks and projects.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: As the characters work together to construct the wind wagon, the story highlights the importance of collaborating and valuing each person’s contribution.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply these principles at school during group projects or in sports, learning to cooperate and achieve common goals with peers.
Example Lesson: Perseverance and Resilience
Explanation: The characters face numerous challenges while building the wind wagon, but they persist and don't give up on their vision.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of persistence in achieving goals, whether in their academic pursuits or personal hobbies, encouraging them to keep going despite difficulties.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The book’s exploration of wind power and its applications fosters curiosity about science and how things work.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore and ask questions about the world around them, possibly sparking a lifelong interest in science and technology.
Example Lesson: Environmental Awareness
Explanation: By using wind as the driving force for the wagon, the book introduces concepts of sustainable energy and environmental care.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of using renewable resources and inspire them to participate in environmentally friendly practices at home and in their community.