Soccer on Sunday
#24 in Magic Tree House Series
What’s inside...
Join Jack and Annie as they travel to 1970's Mexico for the World Cup in the Magic Tree House series. They aim to uncover a 'secret of greatness' from the famous soccer player Pelé. Amidst the excitement of the game and a crowd of 100,000 fans, they wonder how they will manage to find Pelé and whether they will succeed in their mission. The story emphasizes that practice is key to achieving dreams, leaving readers to find out if it will be enough for Jack to get on his team.
Character compass
Jack
Annie
Pele
Discussion points
How do you think Jack and Annie felt when they traveled back in time to meet a famous soccer player?
What lessons did Jack and Annie learn about teamwork during their adventure?
How could the strategies used by the soccer players in the story be applied in your daily life?
Why do you think the author chose soccer as the central theme of the story?
What is one thing you would do differently if you were in Jack and Annie's place?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they know about soccer and if they have any expectations about the story.
Pause at exciting moments in the story to predict what might happen next, allowing your child to engage actively with the plot.
After reading, encourage your child to draw their favorite scene, which can lead to a deeper discussion about the story and its characters.
Connect the themes of the book, like teamwork and perseverance, to real-life situations your child might encounter.
Discuss the historical and cultural context of the book’s setting to enhance understanding and appreciation of the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: In 'Soccer on Sunday', the characters must work together to achieve success on the soccer field. The story emphasizes the importance of each player’s role and how cooperation leads to achieving common goals.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding the value of teamwork in sports, school projects, or family activities, learning that collaboration can lead to success.
Example Lesson: Historical Awareness
Explanation: The book transports readers back to the 1970 World Cup, offering insights into historical events and figures in soccer. This connection enriches the narrative and provides a historical context.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to explore and appreciate history, understand different time periods, and fosters a curiosity about how past events shape our present and future.
Example Lesson: Persistence and Resilience
Explanation: The main characters face challenges and setbacks in their journey, but they persist and strive to overcome these obstacles. The narrative highlights the importance of not giving up in the face of adversity.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of perseverance in achieving goals, whether it’s in sports, academics, or personal pursuits, teaching them resilience in everyday challenges.
Example Lesson: Cultural Appreciation
Explanation: As the story takes place in Mexico during a significant global sporting event, it introduces children to different cultural aspects, including language, traditions, and sports enthusiasm in other countries.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children embrace and respect cultural diversity, promoting openness and appreciation for global communities and their customs.
Example Lesson: Sportsmanship
Explanation: The characters exhibit fairness, respect, and graciousness whether they win or lose the game, emphasizing the importance of good sportsmanship in soccer.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of fair play and respect in all aspects of life, not just sports, encouraging them to be gracious in both victories and defeats.