[(Westcott Nadine B. : Peanut Butter and Jelly )] [Author: Nadine Bernard Westcott] [Sep-1992]
What’s inside...
Rhyming text and illustrations explain how to make a peanut butter jelly sandwich. Includes instructions for accompanying hand and foot motions at the end of the book.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-8
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes peanut butter and jelly such a great combination?
How did the illustrations help you understand the story?
Can you think of a time when you tried to make something and it didn’t turn out as planned, just like in the book?
What would you do if you were in the characters’ shoes?
How do you think the characters felt when they finally made their peanut butter and jelly sandwich?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story. Use the illustrations as a conversation starter by asking about the colors, characters, and scenes. Relate the story to real-life experiences your child might have encountered, like cooking or creating something. Emphasize the importance of trying again after a setback, as shown in the book. Highlight the cooperation between the characters to accomplish their goal and ask your child about times they have worked together with others.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cooperation
Explanation: In the book, characters need to work together to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, demonstrating the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities where cooperation is needed, such as team sports or group projects at school.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the story, characters encounter and solve problems related to making their snack, which encourages critical thinking and resourcefulness.
Real-World Application: Kids can use similar problem-solving skills in daily life situations, like figuring out how to share toys with siblings or resolving simple conflicts with friends.
Example Lesson: Following instructions
Explanation: The process of making a sandwich in the book follows specific steps, highlighting the importance of understanding and following instructions.
Real-World Application: This can be mirrored in a child's life when they need to follow recipes, assemble toys, or complete school assignments that require following a set of directions.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: The book celebrates the fun and creative ways the characters assemble their sandwiches, promoting imaginative thinking.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be creative in their everyday tasks, whether it's in drawing, building block structures, or coming up with games to play.
Example Lesson: Joy of sharing
Explanation: Sharing the final product, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, shows the joy and social bonding that comes from sharing with others.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of sharing their own things, like snacks or toys, to build friendships and enhance social interactions.