Smash

Smash! explores the dynamics of friendship and personal responsibility through a relatable story set in a local park. After a mishap during a soccer game leads to a broken window, Edie is left to face the consequences while her friends run away. Although Edie initially shoulders the blame, her honesty prompts Max and Finn to reflect on their actions and do the right thing. The boys decide to help Mrs West as a way of making amends, and the story ends with a touching gesture that brings the characters together through sport and understanding. This engaging text supports students in discussing moral choices, forgiveness, and problem-solving within everyday situations. With strong visual cues, phonics focus on the /sh/ sound, and vocabulary to discuss feelings and responsibility, Smash! encourages meaningful classroom discussion around doing what's right even when it's difficult.

Educational Benefits:

• Promotes character education and social-emotional learning.
• Supports phonemic awareness with focus on the /sh/ sound.
• Reinforces narrative structure and sequencing.
• Encourages discussion around personal responsibility and problem-solving.

Classroom Ideas:

• Create a role-play activity exploring how to respond in similar real-life situations.
• Discuss the consequences of different choices using a cause-and-effect chart.
• Brainstorm ways to repair relationships after making a mistake.
• Use the story to launch a class project on community kindness.

Safety & Information:

• Suitable for ages 6+
• Book dimensions: 150 x 200 mm
• Paperback format
• Contains themes suitable for guided discussions on friendships and emotions