The Witch's Vacuum Cleaner and Other Stories
Children's Circle Stories Series
on Goodreads (3,499)
What’s inside...
Written when he was just seventeen, THE WITCH’S VACUUM CLEANER is Terry Pratchett’s second short story collection and brings together fourteen of Pratchett’s earliest stories.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
247 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the witch to use a vacuum cleaner instead of a broomstick?
How do the different characters react to unexpected events and what can we learn from them?
If you could create your own magical gadget like the vacuum cleaner, what would it do and why?
Which story was your favorite and what lesson did you take away from it?
How do you think teamwork helps the characters overcome challenges in the stories?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin by asking your child to summarize the story or a particular tale they liked. This helps gauge their understanding and recall.
Relate the themes or challenges in the book to real-life situations your child might encounter, making the discussion more relevant.
Encourage your child to imagine alternate endings or plot twists, enhancing their creativity and critical thinking.
Discuss the moral lessons of the stories and how they can be applied in daily life, reinforcing ethical reasoning and decision-making skills.
Use expressions and voice modulation to make the storytelling engaging and to mimic the whimsical or dramatic elements of the stories.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Creativity
Explanation: Through whimsical tales that defy the ordinary, such as a vacuum cleaner with magical powers, Pratchett encourages children to think outside the box and embrace imaginative solutions.
Real-World Application: Children can apply creativity in problem-solving at school or in play, understanding there's often more than one way to approach a situation.
Example Lesson: Value of Kindness
Explanation: Characters in the stories often prosper by helping others or being compassionate, showcasing the positive outcomes of kind behavior.
Real-World Application: This perspective can inspire children to help peers, share with siblings, and practice empathy in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Importance of Responsibility
Explanation: Several stories feature characters taking responsibility for unusual situations caused by the magical vacuum cleaner, teaching children the importance of handling responsibilities.
Real-World Application: Children learn to take ownership of their chores at home or assignments at school, understanding the role responsibility plays in achieving success and maintaining harmony.
Example Lesson: Benefits of Perseverance
Explanation: Characters often face bizarre and challenging predicaments, yet their persistence leads to success, emphasizing the importance of not giving up despite difficulties.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied to a child's learning process or while trying new activities where initial failure can lead to eventual success through persistence.
Example Lesson: The Power of Humor
Explanation: Pratchett's stories incorporate a great deal of humor, demonstrating how laughter can be a powerful tool for coping with challenges and creating bonds with others.
Real-World Application: Children can use humor to build friendships, alleviate stress, and navigate social interactions more comfortably.