Tom and the Gingerbread Man: Independent Reading Turquoise 7
Turquoise Band 7 Series
What’s inside...
The story follows a boy named Tom who unexpectedly encounters a magical Gingerbread Man. The Gingerbread Man has come to life and takes Tom on a whimsical adventure. As Tom tries to help the Gingerbread Man find his way back home, they both learn important lessons about friendship and helping others.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-8
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Tom learned from his adventure with the Gingerbread Man?
Why do you think the Gingerbread Man ran away from everyone?
How would you feel if you were the Gingerbread Man?
What would you do if you met a talking Gingerbread Man?
Can you think of a different ending for the story? What would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring the characters to life, changing your voice for Tom and the Gingerbread Man.
Ask your child to guess what might happen next at crucial points to keep them engaged.
After reading, encourage your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book.
Discuss the moral of the story and relate it to real-life situations to enhance comprehension and relatability.
Encourage your child to retell the story in their own words, boosting their confidence and understanding of narrative structure.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Tom exhibits problem-solving skills as he helps the Gingerbread Man navigate through various challenges, demonstrating critical thinking and resourcefulness.
Real-World Application: Children learn to approach problems creatively and find solutions, skills that are applicable in academic settings and everyday challenges.
Example Lesson: Importance of helping others
Explanation: The story emphasizes the value of helping others through Tom's actions to assist the Gingerbread Man despite having no personal gain, showcasing empathy and kindness.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be considerate and supportive towards others in their community, fostering a nurturing social environment.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: As the narrative progresses, the consequences of the characters' decisions are evident, teaching children that actions have outcomes.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand accountability and encourages them to think before acting, crucial for their personal development.
Example Lesson: Creative thinking
Explanation: Throughout the book, Tom and the Gingerbread Man come up with imaginative solutions, inspiring creative thought processes.
Real-World Application: Children are motivated to use their imagination in problem-solving, enhancing their cognitive flexibility and ability to think outside the box.