A Twist in the Tale (Penguin Readers: Level 5)
#1 of 109 in All Aboard Reading Series
on Goodreads (25)
What’s inside...
A rich man leaves his farm and returns to England, but is that really where he's gone? A farmer gets revenge on a man who steals his animals, but how? A photographer disappears - what has happened? These stories, by Australian writers, all have a surprise at the end. 'Penguin Readers' is a series of simplified novels, film novelizations and original titles that introduce students at all levels to the pleasures of reading in English. Originally designed for teaching English as a foreign language, the series' combination of high interest level and low reading age makes it suitable for both English-speaking teenagers with limited reading skills and students of English as a second language. Many titles in the series also provide access to the pre-20th century literature strands of the National Curriculum English Orders. 'Penguin Readers' are graded at seven levels of difficulty, from 'Easystarts' with a 200-word vocabulary, to Level 6 (Advanced) with a 3000-word vocabulary. In addition, titles fall into one of three sub-categories: 'Contemporary', 'Classics' or 'Originals'. At the end of each book there is a section of enjoyable exercises focusing on vocabulary building, comprehension, discussion and writing. Some titles in the series are available with an accompanying audio cassette, or in a book and cassette pack. Additionally, selected titles have free accompanying 'Penguin Readers Factsheets' which provide stimulating exercise material for students, as well as suggestions for teachers on how to exploit the Readers in class.
Discussion points
How did the twists in the stories make you feel? Were you surprised by any outcomes?
Which character did you relate to the most and why?
What do you think the main message or moral of the stories was?
How would you have ended one of the tales differently?
What lessons can we learn from the characters and their decisions?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to elaborate on their answers and share their own thoughts and feelings about the story.
Discuss similarities and differences between the characters' dilemmas and real-life situations your child might encounter.
Ask your child to come up with their own creative twist for one of the tales and explain why they chose that ending.
Relate the stories' morals to personal values and experiences to deepen your child's understanding of the themes.
Use expressive reading techniques like different voices or pauses at key moments to make the reading experience more engaging.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Through the diverse experiences of characters, 'A Twist in the Tale' promotes understanding of different perspectives and encourages empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate the feelings and viewpoints of others around them, fostering better relationships and communication.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: Characters in the book face various challenges, highlighting the importance of resilience and perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by learning to stay strong and persistent even when faced with difficulties at school or in personal situations.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Creativity
Explanation: The book showcases the power of creativity through imaginative and unexpected twists in the stories.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to use their imagination in problem-solving and expressing themselves in unique ways.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Actions
Explanation: Characters in the book deal with the outcomes of their decisions, teaching readers about responsibility and foresight.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to think ahead about the consequences of their actions, guiding them to make more thoughtful decisions.
Example Lesson: Value of Honesty
Explanation: Several stories in the book demonstrate the virtues and simplicity brought forth by being truthful.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of honesty in building trust and maintaining sincere relationships.
