Tonka - Move The Mixer!
illustrations by
What’s inside...
In 'Tonka - Move The Mixer!', young readers join a lively construction crew as they tackle a new project. The story follows the adventures of a bright yellow Tonka cement mixer as it works hard on the construction site. Through engaging text and vibrant illustrations, children learn about the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and the various tasks involved in building. The mixer, along with other construction vehicles, faces challenges and solves problems, ensuring the job is done just in time for the grand opening of the new building. This book is perfect for young vehicle enthusiasts and any child who loves a good construction tale.
Why read this book
- Engaging and interactive construction-themed adventure.
- Introduces basic engineering concepts to young readers.
- Stimulates imagination and curiosity about how things work.
- Encourages teamwork and cooperation among characters.
Discussion points
What do you think makes the mixer truck important in building a house?
How do the other trucks help the mixer truck do its job?
Can you describe how the mixer truck might feel if it couldn’t mix the concrete?
Why is teamwork important on a construction site?
If you could design your own truck, what special job would it do?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express feelings and thoughts about the trucks by using emotive words.
Use the illustrations in the book to ask your child to point out different construction elements and explain their functions.
Relate the story to real-life by discussing any construction sites you might see during your commutes.
Highlight the teamwork aspect shown in the book and compare it to teamwork in your child’s experiences like school projects or family activities.
After reading, engage in a creative activity such as drawing their own construction truck or building something with blocks.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: In 'Tonka - Move The Mixer!', the mixer truck works together with other construction vehicles to complete the building project, illustrating the importance of collaboration.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or play, learning to cooperate and achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, the mixer encounters various challenges that need creative solutions, teaching children the value of thinking through problems.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children approach difficulties in their daily life with a problem-solving mindset, whether in academic tasks or interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The mixer in the story faces setbacks but continues to work hard until the project is completed, promoting the ethic of persistence.
Real-World Application: Children learn to keep trying in the face of obstacles, be it in completing a difficult school assignment or mastering a new skill in sports or arts.
Example Lesson: Importance of Each Role
Explanation: The story highlights how every vehicle on the construction site has a specific role that is crucial to the project's success, teaching children to value different roles and contributions.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand and appreciate everyone's unique strengths and contributions in group settings like in the classroom or family.