Thomas and the Castle (Thomas & Friends)
Thomas and Friends Series
What’s inside...
When Percy and the other locomotives report seeing ghosts at Rolf's Castle, Thomas takes a look for himself. Percy has been telling ghost stories about Rolf’s Castle, the old ruin near one of the main lines. Thomas doesn’t want to believe in ghosts, but when odd things keep happening, he gets nervous. But on an important, special run, Thomas starts to figure out that mysterious happenings usually have reasonable explanations.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Thomas learned from his adventure to the castle?
How did Thomas help his friends in the story, and what does that teach us about teamwork?
Why do you think the castle was important in the story?
Can you imagine a different ending for Thomas' adventure? What would it be?
How do you feel when you help your friends, like Thomas did?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story by asking open-ended questions. Listen actively to their responses and relate them to real-life scenarios to deepen their understanding. Share your own thoughts and experiences about teamwork and helping others to foster a deeper connection. Use expressions and voice modulation to make the discussion lively and engaging. Finally, always validate their feelings and thoughts to make them feel heard and valued.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout 'Thomas and the Castle,' Thomas collaborates with other engines and characters to solve problems and complete tasks.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of working together with others to achieve common goals, a skill they can use in school projects and team activities.
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: Thomas shows bravery when facing unfamiliar situations and challenges while exploring the castle.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be brave when they encounter new or intimidating situations in their own lives, such as trying a new sport or speaking in front of a class.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Despite encountering obstacles along the way, Thomas keeps going and does not give up on his mission to explore the castle.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of persistence and determination when facing difficulties, whether it's completing a difficult homework assignment or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: Thomas’s journey to the castle is driven by his desire to learn and explore new places.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be curious about the world around them, exploring new topics and areas of interest both in and outside of school.