Slinky Jane
All Aboard Reading Series
on Goodreads (233)
What’s inside...
A pretty girl arrives in the small village of Battenbun at the same time as a large eel is spotted in the river. Soon the woods are full of men out to catch both the eel and the girl. 'Penguin Readers' is a series of simplified novels, film novelizations and original titles that introduce students at all levels to the pleasures of reading in English. Originally designed for teaching English as a foreign language, the series' combination of high interest level and low reading age makes it suitable for both English-speaking teenagers with limited reading skills and students of English as a second language. Many titles in the series also provide access to the pre-20th century literature strands of the National Curriculum English Orders. 'Penguin Readers' are graded at seven levels of difficulty, from 'Easystarts' with a 200-word vocabulary, to Level 6 (Advanced) with a 3000-word vocabulary. In addition, titles fall into one of three sub-categories: 'Contemporary', 'Classics' or 'Originals'. At the end of each book there is a section of enjoyable exercises focusing on vocabulary building, comprehension, discussion and writing. Some titles in the series are available with an accompanying audio cassette, or in a book and cassette pack. Additionally, selected titles have free accompanying 'Penguin Readers Factsheets' which provide stimulating exercise material for students, as well as suggestions for teachers on how to exploit the Readers in class.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
14-17
Length
250 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Slinky Jane felt when she embarked on her adventure? What would you feel in her place?
What are the most important lessons that Slinky Jane learned during her journey?
If you could add one more character to the story, who would it be and what role would they play?
How did Slinky Jane's experiences change the way she sees her home?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Slinky Jane's shoes; ask how they would react in similar situations. Use expressive reading to bring the characters and scenarios alive, enhancing the emotional connection. Draw comparisons to real-life situations or family experiences to make the story's themes more relatable. Lastly, don't rush the conversation—give your child time to think about and articulate their thoughts.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of curiosity and exploration
Explanation: Slinky Jane’s adventures through different experiences show how curiosity can lead to wonderful discoveries and learning opportunities.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore their surroundings and ask questions about the world, fostering a lifelong love for learning.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship and teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, Slinky Jane makes friends who help her in her journey. This emphasizes the importance of working together and supporting each other.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this by learning to collaborate with peers in school projects or in play, understanding that teamwork can lead to better outcomes and stronger relationships.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: Slinky Jane encounters several obstacles but keeps moving forward. This teaches children the value of resilience and not giving up easily.
Real-World Application: Children can remember Slinky Jane’s determination when they face their own challenges, whether it's learning a new skill or dealing with a tough situation at school.
Example Lesson: The importance of being kind and considerate
Explanation: Slinky Jane is kind to each character she meets, which leads to friendships and mutual respect.
Real-World Application: This reinforces the importance of kindness in daily interactions, teaching children to treat others with respect and consideration.
Example Lesson: Embracing diversity and new experiences
Explanation: Jane's journey introduces her to a variety of characters, all different and unique, illustrating the beauty of diversity and acceptance.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace and celebrate differences in their classmates and people they meet, promoting inclusivity and understanding.
