With Strangers
Safety first Series
What’s inside...
The 'Safety First' series educates children on how to stay safe in various situations through non-alarmist photographs. The 'With Strangers' book highlights safety precautions children should take when interacting with strangers in different settings such as the Internet, parks, cars, and while talking to parents, on the way home, and with trustworthy strangers.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
18-25
Length
123 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the characters in the story feel when they met someone new? Can you relate to their feelings?
What are some ways the characters showed kindness to strangers?
Why do you think it's important to be friendly and helpful to people we don't know?
Can you think of a time when a stranger helped you or made you feel better?
How can we make new friends safely and what are some good rules to remember when talking to strangers?
Tip: Role play these questions
Prior to discussing, read the book together and ask your child to point out moments that stood out to them.
Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts about the story by using open-ended questions.
Relate the story’s scenarios to real-life situations to help your child connect with the book’s themes.
Reinforce the importance of safety and kindness when interacting with new people.
Praise your child for sharing their ideas and thoughts, fostering a positive environment for discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of kindness and empathy
Explanation: In 'With Strangers,' the protagonist demonstrates kindness by helping a lost stranger find their way. This act of generosity is pivotal in the story, illustrating how small acts of kindness can have a significant impact.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by being helpful and considerate towards their peers and community members, fostering a positive environment.
Example Lesson: Understanding diversity and acceptance
Explanation: The book features characters from diverse backgrounds, which enables the protagonist to learn about different cultures and perspectives. This rich exposure promotes acceptance and inclusivity.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be open-minded and respectful towards people who may look, speak, or behave differently from them, enhancing social harmony.
Example Lesson: The value of curiosity and learning
Explanation: As the protagonist interacts with the stranger, they ask questions and learn about new ideas. This curiosity drives the narrative and highlights the joy of learning.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to ask questions about the world around them and seek knowledge, which can lead to a lifelong love of learning and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Courage to face the unknown
Explanation: The protagonist shows bravery when confronting unfamiliar situations with the stranger. This resilience is a central theme, underlining the courage needed to navigate new experiences.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to tackle new challenges, whether at school or in social settings, with confidence and bravery.
Example Lesson: Building trust in new relationships
Explanation: Throughout the story, the protagonist and the stranger develop a trusting friendship. This narrative arc shows the importance of building trust and how it can lead to meaningful connections.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of fostering trust in friendships and the positive outcomes of being reliable and trustworthy in their interactions.