The Rocking Horse
What’s inside...
Suzie gets on her rocking horse and, using her imagination, travels into the woods. As she explores, she realizes that something in the woods has changed. She becomes curious and tries to figure out what could be different.
Age
8-12
Length
36 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the little boy felt when he first saw the rocking horse?
Why do you think the rocking horse is special to the boy?
What would you do if you had a rocking horse like the one in the story?
Can you think of a time when you felt a special bond with one of your toys? What made it so special?
What lessons do you think the story teaches us about friendship and caring?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child to predict what the book might be about based on the cover and title.
Encourage your child to describe the rocking horse and its surroundings using their own words, enhancing their descriptive abilities.
While discussing the book, relate the story to your child's own experiences with toys and friendships to make personal connections.
Pause at key moments in the story to ask how your child might feel or react, fostering empathy and emotional understanding.
After reading, encourage your child to draw their version of a rocking horse, stimulating their creativity and reinforcing the story's themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: In 'The Rocking Horse,' the main character faces numerous challenges but continues to try his best to overcome them.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of trying repeatedly and not giving up when faced with difficulties, enhancing their problem-solving skills and resilience.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Throughout the story, the rocking horse shows kindness and understanding towards other toys, helping them when they are in trouble.
Real-World Application: This story can help children understand the feelings of others and foster a caring attitude, promoting cooperative play and social harmony.
Example Lesson: Imagination
Explanation: The adventures of the rocking horse are fueled by creativity, bringing inanimate objects to life in an imaginative world.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use their imagination more actively, which can enhance their creative thinking and problem-solving abilities in real-life situations.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The rocking horse often collaborates with other toys to solve problems, demonstrating the value of working together.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of teamwork and improve their ability to work with others in school projects or team sports.
Example Lesson: Joy in simple pleasures
Explanation: The story showcases the rocking horse finding happiness in the simple acts of helping others and enjoying the company of friends.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to appreciate the small, everyday joys and the value of friendship, promoting a positive outlook and happiness.