Download: Heroes and Villains
Download Series
What’s inside...
Download is a series of books aimed at older pupils with low reading ability. The series uses themes such as extreme sports, fast cars, and popular culture to engage reluctant and less able teenagers, encouraging them to read more. Additionally, the books explore real-life stories of heroes and villains, prompting readers to think critically about different perspectives and choose sides.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-7
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What qualities make someone a hero in the story, and can you think of someone you know who has similar qualities?
Why do you think the villains behave the way they do? What might make them change their behavior?
How do the actions of the heroes and villains affect those around them in the story?
If you were in the story, what would you do differently than the characters?
Which character do you relate to the most and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story’s characters and plot. Validate their opinions and share your perspectives to foster a deeper understanding. Use examples from the book to discuss real-life scenarios and moral dilemmas, enhancing their critical thinking. Lastly, make the discussion interactive by assuming roles from the book and recreating dialogues or scenes, which can make the learning experience enjoyable and memorable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding the concept of right and wrong
Explanation: Through the interactions between heroes and villains in the story, children learn to differentiate between good and bad actions.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding in real life by making moral choices in their interactions with others.
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: As the heroes in the book often show kindness to others, children learn the importance of empathy and caring for others.
Real-World Application: Kids can practice empathy by being considerate and understanding towards friends and family members' feelings.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Heroes in the story take responsibility for their actions and work to correct their mistakes, teaching children about accountability.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of taking responsibility for their actions at school or at home.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The book shows how heroes often collaborate to overcome challenges, highlighting the value of working together.
Real-World Application: Children can use this lesson by engaging in team activities and valuing each team member's contributions.
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: Heroes in the story often face their fears to achieve their goals, demonstrating the importance of bravery.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by facing their own fears and challenges in everyday situations, like trying new activities or standing up for themselves.