You Won Your Race
What’s inside...
A Note for the Parents highlights the changing societal landscape over the past fifty years and the new challenges it presents for today's children, including early sexual encounters and exposure to mature topics. The author, a parent of three autistic children and a military veteran, shares a personal anecdote about being asked about masturbation by his sons while deployed, emphasizing the importance of educating children at home to prevent misinformation from peers. The book encourages open communication and education on complex topics to prepare children for life's challenges.
Age
5-9
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think it means to 'win your race' in the story?
How did the main character handle challenges or setbacks?
Can you think of a time you faced something difficult and how you overcame it?
Why do you think teamwork was important in the story?
How did the story make you feel when the character succeeded?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation with a positive note about the child's own achievements, relating them to the character in the book.
Encourage the child to express feelings and thoughts about the story, validating their emotions and viewpoints.
Ask open-ended questions to promote critical thinking and personal connection with the book's themes.
Discuss the importance of perseverance and teamwork demonstrated in the book, drawing parallels to real-life situations the child might encounter.
Use examples from the book to talk about setting goals and the steps needed to achieve them, making it relevant to the child's experiences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance pays off
Explanation: In 'You Won Your Race', the protagonist faces numerous challenges but never gives up on their goal to win the race. This persistence is rewarded in the end.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of staying committed to their tasks, whether it’s finishing homework, practicing a sport, or learning a new skill, even when it gets tough.
Example Lesson: Importance of preparation
Explanation: Throughout the book, the protagonist spends time training and preparing for the big race, emphasizing that success often comes from careful planning and preparation.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to prepare thoroughly for their tests or any competitive activities, illustrating that good outcomes are often the result of good preparation.
Example Lesson: Healthy competition
Explanation: The story highlights how competitors can push each other to perform better, and yet show sportsmanship and respect.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by embracing competitiveness in school sports or academic challenges while maintaining fairness and respect for their peers.
Example Lesson: Self-belief is crucial
Explanation: The protagonist's self-confidence grows as the story progresses, showing children that believing in oneself is a key part of achieving one’s goals.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children build their confidence in their abilities, encouraging them to take on new challenges without fear of failure.
Example Lesson: Celebrating achievements
Explanation: At the end of the race, there is a celebration of not just the winner, but all participants, teaching the value of recognizing everyone's efforts.
Real-World Application: Children learn to celebrate their own and others’ achievements, whether big or small, fostering a sense of community and appreciation.