Dollar for a Dolphin
#10 in Aussie Angels Series
on Goodreads (10)
What’s inside...
'Dollar for a Dolphin' by Margaret Clark is the tenth installment in a popular children's series in Australia. The story revolves around a school activity organized by Ms. Lee, where students, including Meg and Mike, participate in an 'Adopt-a-Dolphin' scheme by bringing a dollar each to support the dolphins and to go on a dolphin-watching trip. The day turns into an adventure when the collected money goes missing, and Greash and Foxie become the main suspects of the theft. Despite this hiccup, the children strive to ensure that nothing spoils their perfect day out.
Discussion points
Why do you think the character was willing to spend their dollar on a dolphin?
How do you think the story would change if the dolphin was in a different setting?
What are some ways we can help protect dolphins in our environment?
What did you learn about dolphins that you didn't know before?
If you had a dollar like the character, what would you do with it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use visuals like pictures or videos of dolphins to make the discussion more engaging and relatable.
Before reading, ask your child what they already know about dolphins to gauge their prior knowledge and build on it.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, promoting emotional understanding.
Link the story’s themes to your child's everyday life, discussing the value of money and the importance of helping others.
After reading, encourage your child to draw a scene from the book to deepen their connection with the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: Through the protagonist’s efforts to save a dolphin, children learn the importance of empathy by understanding and sharing the feelings of another being.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these lessons by showing kindness and concern for the feelings of their peers and animals.
Example Lesson: Value of Teamwork
Explanation: The protagonist collaborates with others in the community to rescue the dolphin, demonstrating that teamwork can achieve goals that might be impossible alone.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to work cooperatively in group settings such as school projects or sports teams, appreciating each member's contributions.
Example Lesson: Environmental Responsibility
Explanation: The book highlights the impact of human activities on marine life, teaching children about the importance of taking care of the environment.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to participate in environmental conservation activities like recycling or beach clean-ups.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The protagonist faces and overcomes various challenges to help the dolphin, which showcases effective problem-solving strategies.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to think critically and develop solutions when confronted with challenges in their daily lives.