Tomás Rivera (Rise and Shine) (Green Light Readers Level 2)
Green Light Readers Level 1 Series
What’s inside...
Tomás Rivera wants to tell stories, just like his grandpa. But first he needs to visit a very special place where he can get lots of good ideas--the library. The text is based on a true story.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What challenges did Tomás Rivera face and how did he overcome them?
Why do you think education was important to Tomás?
How did Tomás' family and community influence his journey?
What dreams do you have and what steps might you take to achieve them?
How do you think Tomás felt when he achieved his goals?
Tip: Role play these questions
Prior to reading, provide some context about Tomás Rivera's background to set the stage for understanding his achievements.
While reading, pause at pivotal moments to discuss Tomás’ feelings and choices, encouraging your child to reflect on their own experiences and aspirations.
Ask open-ended questions that prompt your child to think critically about the obstacles Tomás faced and the importance of perseverance.
Relate the story back to your child’s life by discussing personal educational goals or challenges they might currently have or face in the future.
After reading, encourage your child to draw or write about what they learned from Tomás Rivera’s story, reinforcing the themes of dedication and education.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The story of Tomás Rivera showcases his journey from a migrant worker to a university president, emphasizing the importance of perseverance despite obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of persistent efforts in achieving their goals, whether in academics, sports, or personal projects.
Example Lesson: The value of education
Explanation: Tomás's achievements highlight the transformative power of education, inspiring children to value and pursue learning opportunities.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to take their schooling seriously and to see education as a pathway to success and fulfillment.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Tomás's background and challenges provide a narrative that fosters empathy and understanding towards people from diverse backgrounds.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding in their interactions with peers from varied cultures and socio-economic statuses, promoting inclusivity.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Through Tomás’s life story, children see examples of overcoming adversity with courage and determination.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children face their own challenges with resilience, whether it’s dealing with a difficult subject in school or navigating social conflicts.
Example Lesson: Inspiration through real-life role models
Explanation: Tomás Rivera’s story serves as a testament to real-life achievements that can serve as a role model for young readers.
Real-World Application: Children can be motivated to emulate such positive aspects in their own life, striving to achieve their best through hard work and dedication.