The Blakes Come to Melling (Melling School)
#1 in Melling School Series
on Goodreads (31)
What’s inside...
The Blakes Come to Melling follows the story of the Blake sisters, Anne, Tommie, and Jane, as they move to the village of Melling and begin attending the local school. The girls quickly become involved in the school's activities and make new friends, but they also face challenges and conflicts. Throughout the book, the sisters navigate the complexities of school life, including forming friendships, dealing with rivalries, and participating in school events. Their experiences at Melling School lead to personal growth and a deeper understanding of themselves and others. Margaret Biggs captures the essence of school life and the adventures of the Blake sisters with warmth and humor, making it a beloved story for young readers.
Discussion points
What do you think made the Blakes decide to come to Melling School? How would you feel in their shoes?
Which character in the book did you find most interesting or relatable? Why?
How do the students at Melling School interact with the Blakes? Can you think of a time you met someone new and how you acted?
What lessons do you think the Blakes learned during their time at Melling? Can you think of a lesson you've learned recently?
If you could add another event or character to the story, what or who would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, relate the characters’ experiences to your child's own school life to make the conversation more relatable.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, affirming that all interpretations are welcome.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or storyline twists. This boosts creative thinking and keeps the discussion interactive.
Link discussions to real-life values, such as kindness and friendship, highlighted in the book, reinforcing these important concepts.
Use expressive reading techniques, like different voices for different characters, to make the story more vivid and engaging during read-alouds.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of family and community
Explanation: The Blakes, a new family in town, are warmly welcomed by the Melling School community, illustrating the value of inclusivity and support.
Real-World Application: Children learn to embrace new members in their community or school, fostering a welcoming environment.
Example Lesson: Adaptability to change
Explanation: As the Blakes adjust to their new surroundings and school, they demonstrate resilience and the ability to adapt to new situations.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to be flexible and resilient when faced with new challenges or environments.
Example Lesson: The power of kindness
Explanation: Throughout the book, acts of kindness from both the school's staff and the students help the Blakes feel accepted, highlighting how small acts of kindness can have a big impact.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to practice kindness in their daily interactions, which can lead to more harmonious relationships.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: The school community comes together to help the Blakes settle in, showcasing effective teamwork and collective problem-solving.
Real-World Application: This lesson underscores the importance of working together to achieve common goals, applicable in school projects and team sports.
Example Lesson: Coping with and understanding emotions
Explanation: The Blake children experience a range of emotions as they navigate their new life, teaching readers about emotional intelligence and empathy.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand their own emotions and those of others, fostering empathy and emotional awareness in real-life situations.