#4 in Spy School Series
Spy School Goes South
on Goodreads (7,600)
What’s inside...
In the sixth book of the Spy School series, Ben Ripley is sent on a mission to Mexico to locate the leaders of SPYDER, the evil organization that has been trying to destroy the Spy School. Along with his friends, Ben must navigate through dangerous jungles and face deadly enemies to complete his mission.
Character compass
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Ben to continue his spy missions despite the challenges he faced?
How do friendships play a role in Ben and his team's success in their missions?
If you were a character in 'Spy School Goes South', what skills would you bring to SPYDER?
How do the different settings in the book affect the mood and actions of the characters?
What lessons did Ben learn throughout his journey in this book, and how have those lessons changed him?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin by asking your child to summarize the book to assess their understanding and prompt them to think critically about the story.
Encourage them to relate personal experiences that connect with the challenges faced by the characters to deepen their empathy and understanding.
Discuss the moral decisions characters make and explore what your child would have done differently, enhancing their problem-solving skills.
Highlight the teamwork and trust displayed by the characters. Discuss the importance of cooperation and how it can be applied in real-world scenarios.
Ask your child to imagine a continuation of the story or an alternative ending to foster their creative thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: Throughout 'Spy School Goes South', the protagonist, Ben Ripley, must work together with his fellow spy school students to overcome various challenges. Their successes are often achieved through effective teamwork and cooperation.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities and learning to collaborate with others to achieve common goals, whether in school projects or sports.
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
Explanation: Ben Ripley often faces complex problems that require critical thinking and clever solutions. His ability to think on his feet and devise strategies under pressure is a highlight of the book.
Real-World Application: Students can use critical thinking skills to navigate challenges in their academic and personal lives, enhancing their ability to analyze situations and make informed decisions.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Adaptability
Explanation: The characters in 'Spy School Goes South' frequently encounter setbacks and must adapt to new situations quickly. Ben's resilience in the face of adversity helps him to continue pursuing his goals.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of bouncing back from disappointments and adjusting to changes or unexpected events in life, fostering a resilient mindset.
Example Lesson: Honesty and Integrity
Explanation: Ben Ripley's journey is also one of moral growth, learning the value of honesty and integrity in his actions and decisions, especially in a world filled with espionage and deceit.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of being truthful and maintaining strong ethical principles in all aspects of life, helping them build trust and strong relationships.
Example Lesson: Importance of Education and Learning
Explanation: Throughout the book, Ben and his peers utilize their knowledge and skills learned at spy school to navigate various scenarios, showing how education is crucial in practical situations.
Real-World Application: This underscores the value of paying attention in school and being eager to learn, as knowledge can be a powerful tool in both ordinary and extraordinary circumstances.