Your kids are so lucky you're going to "LitWit" this fabulous book, and bring out its valuable lessons in fun, hands-on ways! They're going to have a blast! And thanks to you, they'll always remember this story, and be influenced by its positive messages for life.

Here are a few things to know ahead of time:

Reading

We recommend you have the kids read (or listen to) the whole book, just for fun, before taking your "field trip" through the narrative arc—that way there aren't any spoilers. You, too, will enjoy the shared experience more if the story is fresh in your mind.

Props

As you read, keep an eye out for items from the book you might like to collect and share, and ask your kids to do the same. Of course props are optional, but a table of objects pulled “straight from the story” can lead to all sorts of wonderful discussions and wide-eyed, “aha!” moments. Items unique to the setting help kids understand “what that was like,” and those symbolic of themes make big ideas visual and tangible. You don't need to buy anything, unless you want to—you’d be surprised how many things might be hiding in plain sight. Grandparents, garages, attics, and junk drawers sometimes yield the greatest treasures.

Prep

When you're ready, print the printables and gather supplies. The supplies lists and instructions are on our web page of Creative Teaching Ideas for The Railway Children. (You can right-click anywhere on the page to print all or part, if you'd like.)

Near the bottom of that page, you'll find a heads-up about some key teaching points (see Takeaway Topics), and curated Learning Links for extra background info and extended learning opportunities, especially for older or more advanced kids.

Teaching

How: You might want to introduce the narrative arc, then go through its plot points, pausing to do relevant activities while discussing their purpose in the story. (A short description of the narrative arc is on our StoryLines worksheet; we've also included "How to Explain the Narrative Arc to Kids.") In our workshops, we weave worksheets in between activities, to keep the writing light and energy high. But do whatever best serves your teaching needs, in the order that keeps your kids respectfully engaged—so they want to read more!

Why: Besides nurturing a lifelong love of literature, the main point is to help kids grasp what the protagonist learned for life. So while discussion questions and teaching points are often academic, try to connect them to the character's personal development. In the end, the most important thing a great book tells readers is if s/he could make that positive change, so can you.

That's all you need to know, we think—but if you have any questions, just ask. Otherwise, enjoy this story, and have a wonder-full time!

Happy teaching,

Becky and Jenny

LitWits academic worksheets are stand-alone printables, but if you'd like to integrate them with hands-on activities and valuable discussions, check out our FREE teaching ideas for The Railway Children.

This packet contains 4 worksheets plus any necessary keys, and an activity printable:

• narrative arc

• vocabulary

• creative writing (characterization)

• creative writing (sensory description)

• Peter's Pocket Note-book souvenirs