Choose the prompts that suit your pupils. Children should always be able to pass, listen, draw, or discuss a fictional character instead of sharing personally.
Before reading
- What might make a new place feel uncertain?
- How can a character show a feeling without saying it aloud?
- What helps a group feel welcoming?
After reading
- What do you notice about the way Ria’s feelings change?
- Which small step made a difference?
- How can a friend help without taking over?
- Who are the trusted adults a child could speak to in school?
- What kind words could we offer someone feeling worried?
Creative follow-up
- Draw a calm place for a character and label helpful details.
- Write one sentence a supportive friend might say.
- Create a class list of small, safe ways to try something new.
Safeguarding: These prompts support general discussion, not therapeutic disclosure. Follow your school’s safeguarding procedure if a pupil raises a concern.