The Walking School Bus
illustrations by
on Goodreads (47)
What’s inside...
The Walking School Bus tells the story of siblings Shaka and Nandi who walk to school with their father every day. However, when their father gets a job far away and can no longer accompany them, the route becomes too dangerous to walk alone. Faced with the possibility of not being able to attend school, Shaka and Nandi discover a yellow toy bus and dream up ways to get there on their own. Despite initial challenges, they devise a clever way to go to school with the help of the community. Featuring lively illustrations and notes from co-authors Aaron Friedland and Ndileka Mandela, this book highlights the creativity and community spirit needed to overcome the challenges of accessing education.
Discussion points
What do you think makes a journey to school fun and exciting?
How do the characters in the story help and support each other on their way to school?
Can you imagine what your own walking school bus would look like? Who would be in it?
What are some of the challenges the children face on their walk to school and how do they overcome them?
Why do you think the author chose a walking school bus as the theme for the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by summarizing the plot and discussing the main characters to ensure your child understands the story’s context.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, relating it to their own experiences of going to school.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child’s responses to the key questions to dive deeper into the themes of community and collaboration.
Connect the story’s themes to real-life by planning a fun walking route to school or a friend's house, discussing who they would invite to their 'walking school bus'.
Praise your child for insightful comments and encourage them to think about how they can support their friends and peers like the characters in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: In 'The Walking School Bus', children learn the value of working together as they walk to school as a group, facing and solving challenges along the way.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities both at school and at home, learning to cooperate and achieve common goals with their peers.
Example Lesson: Environmental Awareness
Explanation: The story promotes the benefits of walking, highlighting its positive impact on the environment compared to driving.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to choose walking or other eco-friendly transportation methods, fostering an early appreciation and responsibility for the environment.
Example Lesson: Safety in Numbers
Explanation: The book illustrates the safety provided by the group when the children face various road-related challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can understand the importance of sticking together and looking out for each other, especially in potentially hazardous situations such as crossing the street.
Example Lesson: Importance of Exercise
Explanation: The narrative of the walking school bus inherently teaches children the health benefits of walking to school every day.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to engage in physical activities and understand the health benefits of staying active.
Example Lesson: Building Community
Explanation: Through the shared experiences of the walking school bus, children build a sense of community and friendship.
Real-World Application: Children learn to connect and form bonds with peers in their neighborhood, strengthening community ties.