Rachel Yoder: Out of Control
#3 in Rachel Yoder - Always Trouble Somewhere Series
on Goodreads (148)
What’s inside...
Ten-year old Rachel is driving her Amish friends and family "buggy" with her lack of patience, which brings her trouble at every turn - from sledding into a creek to ruining a yummy shoofly pie, to flunking a test in school, to being dragged facedown in the snow. Will Rachel spend the entire winter getting into more trouble than her Lancaster County family and schoolmates can handle? Or will she finally discover that patience has its own rewards?
Character compass
Rachel Yoder
Discussion points
What do you think Rachel learned about responsibility throughout the story?
How did Rachel's feelings change from the beginning to the end of the book, and what caused those changes?
What would you have done differently if you were Rachel?
Why is it important to listen to advice from elders like Rachel had to?
How do Rachel’s experiences help us understand the importance of family and community?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by discussing Rachel's character and the challenges she faces, which can help your child connect personally with the story. Use pauses after each question to give your child time to think and express their thoughts. Validate their responses to encourage more in-depth thinking and discussion. Connect the themes of the book to real-life situations your child might face to further their understanding and personal growth. Wrap up the discussion by asking your child how they might use Rachel's experiences to handle their own responsibilities.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Responsibility
Explanation: Rachel Yoder learns valuable lessons about taking responsibility for her actions when her playful misbehavior leads to unintended consequences.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding the impact of their actions in various settings like school and home, and learning to take responsibility for them.
Example Lesson: Value of Family and Community
Explanation: Throughout the book, Rachel's interactions with her family and community illustrate the supportive nature of these relationships and the strength that can be drawn from them.
Real-World Application: Children will learn to appreciate and rely on the support system provided by their families and communities, fostering a sense of belonging and security.
Example Lesson: Learning from Mistakes
Explanation: As Rachel faces the outcomes of her actions, she learns to acknowledge her mistakes and make amends, showcasing growth and maturity.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children that mistakes are part of learning and personal growth. They'll learn the importance of rectifying mistakes and improving future behaviors.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Rachel develops a deeper understanding of other people's feelings and situations, which helps her foster stronger, more empathetic relationships.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to put themselves in others' shoes to better understand their peers and adults, enhancing their interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Perseverance in the Face of Challenges
Explanation: Despite the various challenges Rachel faces, her determination to overcome difficulties highlights the value of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to persevere through their own challenges, whether academic or personal, reinforcing resilience and determination.