The Silence Seeker
What’s inside...
When a new family moves in next door, Joe's mom explains that they are asylum seekers. However, Joe misunderstands and thinks they are 'silence seekers' who need peace and quiet. When Joe sees a young boy from the family sitting on the steps, he decides to help him find a quiet place in the city, but the city's noise makes it difficult.
Age
5-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Boy (Narrator)
The Silence Seeker
Discussion points
What do you think the silence seeker is searching for and why?
How do you feel when you are in a quiet place compared to a noisy place?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone feel more understood or comfortable, like the characters in the story?
What are some ways we can find quiet moments in our day-to-day life?
Why do you think understanding different cultures and people is important?
Tip: Role play these questions
Prior to reading, explain the concept of seeking silence and ask your child what silence means to them.
While reading, pause at impactful moments and ask your child how they feel or what they would do in a similar situation.
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences with friends or new environments.
Post-reading, engage in a small activity like drawing or writing about a silent place they'd like to visit, linking back to the story’s themes.
Discuss the importance of empathy and cultural understanding, drawing parallels between the story and real-world scenarios.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The story illustrates how the main character learns to understand and empathize with the new boy from a different cultural background.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by learning to appreciate and respect their peers who might come from diverse backgrounds, promoting inclusiveness in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: Through the budding friendship between the two boys, the story conveys that true friends can come from the most unexpected places.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be open to forming friendships beyond their usual social circles, enhancing their social skills and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Silence and Observation
Explanation: The narrative emphasizes the value of silence and observation as the characters communicate non-verbally and learn about each other's world.
Real-World Application: Teaching children the power of observant silence can help them develop deeper understanding and respect for moments that don't require words, fostering better communication skills.
Example Lesson: Kindness and Helpfulness
Explanation: The protagonist shows kindness by helping his new friend navigate the noisy and overwhelming environment.
Real-World Application: Children are reminded of the impact of acts of kindness and are encouraged to help others in their community or school, cultivating a culture of support and empathy.