Wait, Skates! (Revised Edition) (A Rookie Reader)
Rookie Reader Series
on Goodreads (22)
What’s inside...
Rookie Readers (Ages 5-7) provide young children with engaging, high-quality introductions to reading through fun and often hilarious full-color illustrations and stories. Each book focuses on a young child navigating different concepts, solving problems, and overcoming challenges independently. For example, a child trying on in-line roller skates for the first time learns patience, while a young boy describes his difficulties in learning how to roller skate.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-2
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the boy felt when he first put on his skates? Can you relate to his experience?
What do you think the main message of the story is about trying new things?
Why is it important to keep trying even when something is difficult?
How do the illustrations help tell the story? What do they add to your understanding of the boy’s feelings?
If you were in the story, what advice would you give the boy about skating?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, briefly discuss your child's experiences with learning something new. This could set a personal connection with the story.
Pause at key moments in the story to ask predictive questions, like 'What do you think will happen next?'
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they would feel in the boy’s situation, which can deepen their understanding of the story's emotional layers.
After reading, relate the story to real-life situations where your child needed persistence to succeed, reinforcing the book's message.
Utilize the illustrations in the book to ask your child to describe what they see and how it relates to the text, enhancing their comprehension and observational skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Patience and Perseverance
Explanation: In 'Wait, Skates!', the child protagonist faces challenges while learning to skate but perseveres and practices patiently until they improve.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding the importance of patience and persistence in learning new skills, whether in sports, academics, or hobbies.
Example Lesson: Safety First
Explanation: The book highlights the importance of wearing safety gear like helmets and kneepads while skating, showcasing responsible behavior.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the significance of taking precautionary measures for safety while engaging in physical activities or playing outdoors.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Fear
Explanation: As the protagonist overcomes the fear of falling while learning to skate, they develop confidence.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to face their fears and try new activities, which can boost their self-esteem and courage in unfamiliar situations.
Example Lesson: Independence
Explanation: The main character independently makes the effort to learn skating, depicting growth and self-reliance.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to undertake tasks on their own, fostering a sense of independence and responsibility.
Example Lesson: Joy of Learning
Explanation: The book conveys a sense of enjoyment in learning a new skill, focusing on the positive aspects of acquiring abilities.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to find joy in the learning process itself, rather than just the outcome, which can lead to a lifelong love of learning.