Intergalactic P.S. 3
The Time Quintet Series
What’s inside...
Madeleine L'Engle's novel 'A Wrinkle in Time' is widely cherished as one of the most beloved children's books, and serves as the starting point for her 'Time Quintet' series. The narrative continues with 'Intergalactic P.S. 3', a short story originally published in 1970. This story follows characters Meg, Calvin, and Charles Wallace as they experience Charles Wallace's first day of school in an entirely different galaxy.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
112 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What qualities do you think a good leader should have? Did Meg or Charles Wallace display any of these qualities in the book?
How do the characters deal with challenges in their adventure? Can you think of a time when you faced a challenge and how you dealt with it?
What do you think the symbols and settings in the story represent? How do they contribute to the overall message of the book?
How does the concept of friendship evolve throughout the story? Why do you think teamwork was important?
If you could have a special power like one of the characters, which would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the characters’ experiences to their own life, enhancing personal connection with the story.
Discuss the problem-solving strategies used by the characters, and ask your child how they might use similar strategies in their own life.
Explore the themes of leadership and bravery by comparing real-life examples, fostering deeper understanding and application.
Highlight the importance of friendship and collaboration, prompting your child to share personal experiences of working successfully as part of a team.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'Intergalactic P.S. 3', the characters must collaborate to solve problems and navigate their adventures, demonstrating how working together can make daunting tasks manageable.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in group activities at school or in play, learning to cooperate and value each other's contributions.
Example Lesson: Embracing diversity
Explanation: The story features a variety of characters from different planets, highlighting the strength and creativity that comes from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to appreciate and respect people who might look, think, or act differently than they do, fostering a more inclusive environment at school and in their communities.
Example Lesson: Courage to face the unknown
Explanation: The young characters embark on a journey to an unknown intergalactic school, showing bravery in the face of new and unfamiliar situations.
Real-World Application: Children learn that it’s okay to feel scared when trying new things, whether it’s attending a new school, moving to a new city, or making new friends, and that courage can lead to rewarding experiences.
Example Lesson: Value of education
Explanation: The intergalactic school setting emphasizes the universal importance of learning and how education is a pivotal element regardless of one's origin.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the significance of their own schooling and motivate them to be enthusiastic learners, seeking knowledge and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters face various challenges that require critical thinking and problem-solving, illustrating an active engagement with obstacles.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of addressing problems thoughtfully and creatively, skills that are beneficial in academic settings and everyday life.