Learning to Fall
on Goodreads (154)
What’s inside...
Learning to Fall is a self-help book by Sally Engelfried that uses the metaphor of falling to discuss overcoming life's challenges and setbacks. The author, drawing from her experiences as a professional dancer and yoga instructor, provides practical advice, exercises, and real-life examples for building resilience and embracing failure as part of personal growth. In parallel, the narrative follows twelve-year-old Daphne who learns to forgive and reconnect with her father through their shared love of skating, demonstrating the book's concepts in a heartfelt story.
Discussion points
How did the main character feel when they faced challenges, and what did they do to overcome them?
Can you think of a time when you had to learn something new like the character? How did it make you feel?
What does 'Learning to Fall' mean to you? How can making mistakes be a good thing?
Why do you think the author chose the title 'Learning to Fall'? What message do they want to share?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their personal experiences. This will enhance their connection to the book’s themes.
Discuss the characters’ emotions and actions. Prompt your child to speak about how they might feel or act in similar situations.
Highlight the importance of perseverance and learning from mistakes, reinforcing these as positive steps towards growth.
Use praise to build your child’s confidence when they express their thoughts and ideas about the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience Through Adversity
Explanation: The story demonstrates resilience as the main character faces challenges but learns to overcome them with perseverance and support.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by understanding that difficulties are a part of life and that persistence and seeking help can lead them to overcome their own obstacles.
Example Lesson: Value of Friendship
Explanation: As the protagonist encounters trials, the importance of supportive friendships is highlighted, showing how friends can help one cope and grow.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to value and nurture friendships, understanding how crucial they are in providing support during tough times.
Example Lesson: Learning from Mistakes
Explanation: The book shows that making mistakes is a natural part of learning and growing, and that each mistake is a step towards improvement.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to not fear failure, but to embrace it as a learning opportunity and a stepping stone to success.
Example Lesson: Embracing Change
Explanation: Change is portrayed as a constant and often positive element in life, depicted through the protagonist's journey and adaptations.
Real-World Application: This can help children learn to be adaptable and open to changes in their lives, seeing change as an opportunity for personal growth.