MAKE READING FUN!

with Chronicle Books,
by Marilyn Carpenter, Education Consultant

SOCRATES

 BY RASCAL, ILLUSTRATED BY GERT BOGAERTS

Before sharing the book:
Show the front and back covers and invite the children (or child) to make predictions about what might happen in the story. Ask them who they think Socrates is. Then have the children listen to see what happens in the story.

Reading and discussing the book:
After reading the book, launch a discussion by considering the following topics:
  • Describe Socrates as he is in the beginning of the story, and at the end.
  • What happened when Socrates found the glasses?
  • Why do you think people changed towards Socrates when he wore the glasses?
  • Why do you think Socrates gave the glasses to the musician?
  • Were the glasses magical?
  • Discuss how Socrates felt at different stages of the story.

After the reading:
Give the children (or child) the appropriate materials and ask them to make a sketch of what the story meant to them. If you have a large group, divide them into small groups to share their sketches and explain what the story meant to them. If you have more time, ask the children to let the others guess before explaining their meaning.