Snow Horse : And Other Stories
White Wolves Series
on Goodreads (8)
What’s inside...
Joan Aiken was famous for her spine-tingling ghost stories, and this collection presents five classic Aiken chillers in a new, accessible edition. Guided reading notes are also available to help schools get the most out of this title. Ghosts appear both in the strangest and most familiar places, but their effect is often the same, inspiring shock and chills in the characters and readers alike. None of these stories will be easily forgotten! From a a snow horse on the moor to the unquiet spirit of the bindweed, these chilling stories are a perfect introduction to Joan Aiken's work.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the Snow Horse symbolizes in the story?
How do the characters in the stories show courage and kindness?
What would you have done differently if you were in the character's place?
Which story was your favorite and why?
How do the settings affect the stories and the characters?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use visual aids like pictures from the book to help your child recall specific details and enhance their understanding.
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they think the characters felt during key moments in the stories.
Link the stories to personal experiences or family stories to make the conversation more relatable and engaging.
After discussing the questions, encourage your child to create their own tale, inspired by the themes or characters of the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and perseverance
Explanation: In 'Snow Horse,' the protagonist faces challenging obstacles and musters the courage to overcome them despite fears and doubts.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face their own fears and persist through difficulties, whether it’s trying out for a sports team or standing up for what is right.
Example Lesson: Empathy and kindness
Explanation: The stories showcase characters who display kindness towards others, which helps in resolving conflicts and fostering friendships.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to practice empathy and kindness in their interactions with peers and family, helping build stronger relationships.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: Joan Aiken’s rich narrative inspires vivid imagery and creative thinking, as characters often solve problems through innovative means.
Real-World Application: This reinforces the importance of using one's imagination to think outside the box in real-world scenarios, from creative projects at school to everyday problem-solving.
Example Lesson: The importance of storytelling
Explanation: Through its engaging narrative, the book highlights how storytelling can be a powerful tool for learning and entertainment.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and create their own stories, which aids in developing their language skills and emotional understanding.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: Characters in the stories often face consequences for their decisions, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful decision-making.
Real-World Application: This helps children understand the impact of their choices and encourages them to think before they act, promoting responsibility.