In the fast lane
#3 of 20 in Siyagruva series
What’s inside...
Remember there are people affected by HIV as well as people infected with HIV. This is something Brunette and Samantha have no reason to worry about, until they go on holiday to Brunette's mother in Soweto. Suddenly they're living with HIV and have to learn quickly how to cope with the disease. A reader reflects on the importance of acknowledging and adapting to such life-altering situations.
Discussion points
What did you think about the way the main character handled challenges in the story?
How would you have felt in the same situation as the protagonist?
What lessons do you think the story is trying to teach us about friendship and teamwork?
Can you think of a time when you had to work together with others to accomplish something?
How do you think the story would change if it took place in a different setting?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, relating it to their own experiences. Ask them to imagine alternative scenarios or endings to further stimulate their critical thinking. Highlight themes like cooperation and resilience, discussing how these qualities are important in real life. Use expressive reading techniques such as different voices for characters to make the storytelling more dynamic and engaging.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Patience
Explanation: The characters in 'In the Fast Lane' learn to understand the significance of waiting patiently for their turn and the value of keeping calm during challenging situations.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson in school or during playtime by waiting their turn in games or when participating in group activities, promoting fair play and respect among peers.
Example Lesson: Value of Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters collaborate to solve problems, highlighting the effectiveness of working together towards common goals.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in collaborative projects at school, teaching children the importance of cooperation and how it leads to successful outcomes.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The storyline encourages characters to take ownership of their actions and understand their consequences, which leads to personal growth and maturity.
Real-World Application: Kids can embrace this virtue by taking responsibility for tasks such as homework, chores, and other duties, fostering independence and accountability.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Challenges
Explanation: As obstacles arise, characters in the book showcase resilience by adapting and overcoming adversity, which is central to the plot development.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face academic and social challenges with a positive attitude, understanding that persistence and resilience are key to overcoming difficulties.
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: The book portrays interactions between diverse characters, promoting acceptance and inclusivity.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to appreciate diversity in their own communities and schools, encouraging open-mindedness and inclusivity in their everyday social interactions.