Goosebumps Series
How I Got My Shrunken Head
on Goodreads (7,519)
What’s inside...
Receiving a wrinkled, green shrunken head as a gift from his aunt, Mark cannot wait to show the gruesome object to his friends at school, but when night falls, the head begins to glow, and Mark is given a strange power.
Age
7-8
Length
119 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Discussion points
What do you think about Mark's bravery throughout his adventure?
How would you handle being in a completely new and strange environment like Mark?
What lessons can we learn from the choices Mark makes?
How do the characters in the book show friendship and teamwork?
What part of the story was the most exciting for you, and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion by sharing your own impressions of the book to create a relaxed conversation environment. Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts about the story and its characters, emphasizing that all opinions are valuable. Connect the themes of the book to real-life situations your child might encounter, enhancing their empathy and problem-solving skills. Use follow-up questions to delve deeper into your child’s perspective and keep the dialogue open and flowing.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: The protagonist, Mark, confronts various thrilling and spooky challenges on the jungle island, demonstrating bravery.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears and challenges, whether it’s trying new activities or standing up in class presentations.
Example Lesson: Importance of family and friendship
Explanation: Throughout the adventures, Mark relies on friendships and builds strong connections that help him navigate through troubles.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to value and nurture relationships, which is essential for emotional development and support.
Example Lesson: Using intelligence and resourcefulness
Explanation: Mark uses his wits and resourcefulness to solve mysteries and problems he encounters, showcasing problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Children can apply critical thinking and problem-solving in academic settings or in resolving everyday conflicts.
Example Lesson: Resilience through challenges
Explanation: Mark's journey is filled with unexpected turns, yet he manages to persevere, illustrating resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of persistence in overcoming obstacles, whether in school tasks or personal goals.
Example Lesson: Respect for different cultures
Explanation: Mark’s adventure in a new cultural setting emphasizes learning and respecting different customs and traditions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect diverse cultures in their community and beyond.