Way of the Warrior Kid 5: Letters From Uncle Jake
#5 in Way Of The Warrior Kid Series
on Goodreads (506)
What’s inside...
ICE MAGIC follows the story of Pie Pennelli, a young ice hockey player who faces challenges both on and off the rink. With oversized hand-me-down skates and a teammate who constantly bullies him, Pie's struggles intensify when his neighbors discover an antique hockey game that they believe is magical and can predict Pie's team's plays. The situation takes a mysterious turn when the game shows Pie immobilized during a game, leaving Pie and his team to figure out the meaning behind the magic and how it will affect their future games.
Discussion points
What are some qualities of Uncle Jake that you admire and why?
How did the advice in the letters help Marc in his everyday challenges?
Which letter from Uncle Jake resonated with you the most, and what did you learn from it?
What do you think makes a person a 'warrior' in real life?
How can you apply Uncle Jake’s advice to your own life or challenges at school?
Tip: Role play these questions
Share your own experiences where you faced challenges and how you overcame them; this will help your child connect their experiences with the themes of the book.
Encourage your child to draw or write a letter about their biggest takeaway from the book. This can help them internalize the lessons.
Praise your child’s insights during the discussion to boost their confidence in expressing their thoughts and opinions.
Consider reading some parts of the book together and discuss the context to ensure a deeper understanding of the events and advice given.
Create a regular 'reflection time' after reading where each of you can share what you’ve learned and discuss how it can be applied to everyday life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Discipline and Commitment
Explanation: The story demonstrates the importance of discipline and commitment through the character of Uncle Jake, who imparts these values in his letters. He shares stories and advice that underline the significance of staying dedicated and working hard to achieve goals.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these lessons by setting personal goals, whether in academics, sports, or personal hobbies, and understand that consistent effort and discipline are key to achieving them.
Example Lesson: Respect and Gratitude
Explanation: Uncle Jake teaches about treating others with respect and expressing gratitude. This is crucial in building healthy interpersonal relationships and fostering a positive community.
Real-World Application: Children learn to express thanks to friends, family, and teachers, and understand the impact of respectful communication in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Adversity
Explanation: The book highlights the theme of overcoming challenges through resilience and perseverance. Uncle Jake's letters provide guidance on facing difficulties head-on, rather than avoiding them.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be mirrored in a child's life when dealing with academic challenges, personal fears, or setbacks. It teaches them the value of resilience and the importance of pushing through tough times.
Example Lesson: Importance of Physical Fitness
Explanation: Physical fitness is a recurring theme in Uncle Jake’s advice, emphasizing its role in maintaining mental and physical health.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to participate in physical activities such as sports, dancing, or even regular exercises, understanding its benefits for overall health and well-being.
Example Lesson: Learning from Mistakes
Explanation: Uncle Jake often discusses the importance of learning from one's mistakes and using them as stepping stones for improvement. This helps in nurturing a growth mindset.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by reflecting on what went wrong in a bad situation and what they can do differently next time, turning failures into lessons.