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#3 in Big Nate Series

Big Nate on a Roll

4.38
on Goodreads (21,057)

What’s inside...

In Big Nate on a Roll, Nate is a sixth grader who's a bit of a class clown and considers himself destined for greatness. The book revolves around Nate's life, his experiences at school, and his attempt to surpass his scouting rival, the perfect Artur, to win the grand prize of a customized skateboard.
In series
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
224 pages
Text complexity

Discussion points

How did Nate’s attitude towards the skateboard competition change throughout the story and what do you think made it change?
What are some ways Nate showed teamwork or friendship in the book? Can you think of a time you did something similar?
Why do you think it's important for Nate to try to win the grand prize and how does he handle challenges along the way?
What did you learn about handling disappointment from Nate’s experiences?
If you were in Nate's shoes, how would you approach the competition and interacting with your friends?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences to Nate’s situations, enhancing empathy and insight. Ask open-ended questions to foster critical thinking. Highlight the themes of perseverance and sportsmanship in the book, discussing their importance in real life. Use examples from the book to discuss the consequences of actions and the value of friendship. Encourage your child to predict what might happen next in challenging situations, improving problem-solving skills.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Perseverance and determination
Explanation: Big Nate competes fiercely in a scout troop fundraiser, demonstrating persistence even when faced with challenges.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of sticking with tasks even when they are difficult, which is crucial for achieving goals in school and other activities.
Example Lesson: Sportsmanship
Explanation: Despite the competitive nature of the fundraiser, Big Nate learns to handle both victories and setbacks with grace.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to stay humble in victory and resilient in defeat, promoting emotional maturity in sports and group interactions.
Example Lesson: Creativity and innovation
Explanation: Nate uses his artistic skills to enhance his fundraising strategy, showing that thinking outside the box can lead to success.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to utilize their unique talents and think creatively to solve problems and overcome obstacles in everyday life.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The story underscores the importance of being responsible and committed to a task, as Nate is responsible for his own results in the fundraiser.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the value of personal responsibility and the impact of their actions on their own success.
Example Lesson: Friendship and teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the competition, Nate learns the importance of working together with his friends and supporting them.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to appreciate the benefits of teamwork and the positive effects of supporting their peers in collaborative settings.