Tobacco
Teen issues Series
What’s inside...
One of a series of titles looking at common problems and issues young people might encounter in their daily lives.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-11
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the characters in the story felt about using tobacco?
What are some ways that the book showed the effects of tobacco on people's health?
Do you think it's important to follow the rules like the characters did in the story? Why or why not?
What would you tell a friend who was thinking about trying tobacco after reading this book?
Can you think of other healthy habits that the characters could adopt instead of using tobacco?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book’s scenes to foster empathy and understanding.
Discuss the consequences of tobacco use presented in the book, linking them to real-world outcomes for a deeper understanding.
Praise your child for making health-conscious statements and reinforce the importance of healthy lifestyle choices.
Relate the topics to the child’s everyday encounters or peer interactions where applicable, to make the discussions more relevant.
Ask your child how they would handle peer pressure situations similar to those in the book to reinforce critical thinking and decision-making skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The consequences of unhealthy habits
Explanation: In 'Tobacco,' the story highlights the negative effects of smoking on health and well-being through the journey of its characters.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by recognizing and avoiding harmful habits, such as smoking, to maintain their health.
Example Lesson: The power of peer influence
Explanation: The book shows how peers can influence decisions, both positively and negatively, as characters are faced with choices about smoking.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to choose their friends wisely and be aware of peer pressure in their social interactions.
Example Lesson: The importance of making informed choices
Explanation: Through the narrative, 'Tobacco' educates about the importance of understanding the consequences of one's actions and making decisions based on knowledge rather than impulse.
Real-World Application: Children learn to seek information, ask questions, and weigh the outcomes before making decisions, skills that are useful in school and beyond.
Example Lesson: Resilience in overcoming challenges
Explanation: Characters in the book confront the challenge of quitting smoking, showcasing the resilience required to overcome difficult situations.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to persist through their own challenges, whether they're academic, social, or personal.
Example Lesson: The role of support systems
Explanation: The story illustrates how support from family and friends is crucial when facing tough choices like quitting smoking.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to seek support when needed and be supportive of others in their community or circle of friends.