Crater Lake
#1 of 6 in Crater Lake Series
What’s inside...
Who is the mysterious bloodstained man who stops their coach? Why is no one around when Lance and the rest of Year Six arrive at the brand new Crater Lake activity centre? But this is just the beginning of the school trip from hell; a fight for survival that sees five pupils band together to save their teachers and classmates from a mysterious force. Welcome to Crater Lake … the year six school trip where your first day might just be your last …
Character compass
Lance
Mak
Katja
Adrian
Chets
Campsite Manager
Discussion points
What would you do if you were in the main character’s shoes at Crater Lake? How would you handle the challenges?
How do the friendships in the story change or grow because of the adventures they experience together?
What do you think is the most important lesson the characters learned during their time at Crater Lake?
If you could ask any character in the book a question, who would you choose and what would you ask them?
How does the setting of Crater Lake add to the suspense and adventure of the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the setting of Crater Lake, discussing how they would feel in such a mysterious and thrilling environment.
Discuss the importance of teamwork and friendship highlighted in the book, relating it to your child’s own experiences with friends.
Pose hypothetical questions to your child to help them think critically about the characters' decisions and their consequences.
After reading, revisit your child’s predictions and see how they matched up with the book’s outcomes, enhancing their analytical skills.
Use the suspenseful and adventurous elements of the story to engage your child in a broader conversation about bravery and facing fears.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of fear
Explanation: In 'Crater Lake', the characters confront mysterious and frightening events during their school trip. As they face these challenges, they learn to overcome their fears.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that it’s normal to feel scared but showing bravery, like the characters, helps to confront and manage fears in real-life situations, such as trying new activities or standing up for themselves.
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters realize that working together makes them stronger and better equipped to solve the mysteries they encounter.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that cooperation and collaboration are essential skills, useful in school projects, sports teams, and family activities.
Example Lesson: Resilience through challenges
Explanation: The characters in 'Crater Lake' face numerous setbacks but continue to push forward, showing resilience and determination.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to persist and maintain efforts despite difficulties in their studies or personal endeavors.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and problem-solving
Explanation: As the plot unfolds, the young protagonists must use their intellect and reasoning to figure out the secrets of Crater Lake, showcasing problem-solving abilities.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to use critical thinking in their daily lives, helping them to make thoughtful decisions and solve problems efficiently.