Bindi Behind the Scenes 5: Bouncing off the Menu
#5 in Bindi Behind The Scenes Series
on Goodreads (10)
What’s inside...
A giant leap across kangaroo country! When Bindi takes a train ride through the heart of Australia with some family friends, she's dispirited to see more kangaroos on the menu than out the window. Visiting a kangaroo rescue centre near Alice Springs, Bindi learns more about the harsh methods used to kill kangaroos in that area. But, along with her friends, Bindi is determined to keep one of Australia's best known and loved species as far away from the dinner table as possible!
Discussion points
How do you think Bindi felt when she discovered the endangered species in the book? What would you feel in her situation?
What are some ways Bindi helps animals and the environment in the story? Can you think of ways we might help animals in our community?
Why do you think it’s important for Bindi to save the animals? How does it make a difference to the world?
If you were part of Bindi’s adventure, what role would you choose and why?
How do Bindi’s actions inspire others around her, and how can we apply this inspiration to our daily lives?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage active listening by asking your child to summarize the story or a specific part they found interesting. This enhances comprehension and retention.
Use the book’s themes such as wildlife conservation as a springboard to discuss broader environmental issues. This can help children understand real-world applications of the story's messages.
Relate the story's predicaments to personal experiences. For example, discuss a time when your child saw an animal in need or when they helped solve a problem.
Praise your child’s responses and insights during the discussion to boost their confidence in expressing ideas and opinions about what they read.
Create a post-reading activity, like drawing their favorite scene or writing a letter to Bindi about their thoughts on the book. This bridges their understanding and personal expression.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respect for wildlife
Explanation: Through Bindi's adventures and her passion for animal conservation, the book emphasizes the importance of respecting and protecting wildlife.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate the value of biodiversity and can be encouraged to participate in local environmental protection activities.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: Bindi and her friends work together to solve problems throughout the book, showcasing the power of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in group activities at school or in sports, teaching children how to work effectively with others and appreciate diverse opinions.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: The protagonist faces various challenges that require creative problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Children can use similar strategies to tackle their everyday problems, whether it's conflict resolution with peers or overcoming personal obstacles.
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: Bindi demonstrates bravery when dealing with difficult situations, inspiring readers to be courageous.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help bolster a child’s confidence when confronting their own fears and challenges.
Example Lesson: Empathy towards animals
Explanation: The narrative fosters a deep sense of empathy towards animals by showing their perspectives and the impact of human actions on their lives.
Real-World Application: It can inspire children to treat animals with kindness and consider the consequences of their actions on the environment.