Charlotte's Challenges
#2 of 8 in The Gymnasts of Maple Hill Gymnastics Series
on Goodreads (1)
What’s inside...
Charlotte, a 12-year-old level 4 gymnast, struggles to adjust to her new gym in Maple Hill and misses her old teammates. Despite practicing hard, she's too afraid to do a back handspring since moving. While exploring the woods, she discovers a hidden cabin and, with her new friend Tyree from the boys’ team, sets out to uncover its mysteries. Facing numerous challenges, Charlotte must find the courage to overcome her fears and succeed in her new environment. Will she ever adjust to life in Maple Hill, find out who lives in the cabin, and conquer her back handspring before the upcoming competition? Dive into the first book of the exciting Gymnasts of Maple Hill series and journey with Charlotte through her gymnastic adventures.
Discussion points
What do you think Charlotte felt when she faced her challenges?
How did Charlotte's friends help her overcome her obstacles?
Can you think of a time when you faced a challenge like Charlotte? What did you do?
What is the most important lesson Charlotte learned?
How would you help a friend who is facing challenges similar to Charlotte's?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts about the challenges faced by Charlotte and connect them to their own experiences. Use positive reinforcement to applaud their ability to relate and empathize. Foster a deeper understanding by discussing the role of friendship and support in overcoming obstacles. Highlight the moral lessons and keep the dialogue open-ended to promote critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Charlotte learns to understand and share the feelings of her new classmates, helping her to navigate various social situations.
Real-World Application: Children can apply empathy by considering their peers' feelings and perspectives, fostering harmonious interactions at school or in play.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, Charlotte faces numerous challenges but shows determination in overcoming them, emphasizing the importance of not giving up.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of persistence in their personal goals, whether in academics, sports, or relationships.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Charlotte uses her wit and resources to solve problems that arise, encouraging critical thinking and resourcefulness.
Real-World Application: Kids can practice these skills by finding creative solutions during conflicts with siblings, completing a challenging school project, or dealing with a puzzle.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: Charlotte adapts to various situations in the story, learning how to thrive in changing environments.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children learn to adjust to new situations like moving to a new school, meeting new friends, or dealing with changes at home.
Example Lesson: Kindness
Explanation: The character consistently shows kindness to others, winning friends and influencing people positively.
Real-World Application: Children can incorporate kindness into daily acts, such as sharing toys, helping around the house, or supporting a friend in need.