"B" Is for Betsy (Betsy (Paperback))
#1 of 4 in Betsy Series
on Goodreads (4,668)
What’s inside...
Carolyn Haywood's stories about her irrepressible character Betsy have never been out of print, and now, thanks to dynamic new covers, the Betsy books will find their way onto the bookshelves of modern young readers--and into the hearts of a whole new generation. Betsy is scared about going to first grade, but it turns out school is a great place. She learns about tadpoles and the true meaning of Thanksgiving, makes new friends, and has more fun than she'd ever imagined.
Discussion points
What was your favorite adventure Betsy went on and why?
How did Betsy handle situations that made her nervous or scared?
What are some ways Betsy showed kindness to others in the story?
How do you think Betsy felt on her first day of school, and have you ever felt the same way?
If you could be friends with Betsy, what activities would you like to do together?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book by relating Betsy’s experiences to their own. Use open-ended questions to foster a deeper understanding of the character’s emotions and decisions. Highlight the themes of friendship and bravery by discussing real-life applications. Lastly, make the reading session interactive by predicting future events or alternate endings together.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: Throughout 'B is for Betsy', Betsy builds meaningful relationships that help her navigate school life, showcasing the significance of friendship.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and nurture their relationships, understanding that having supportive friends can enrich daily experiences and provide emotional support.
Example Lesson: Courage and facing new challenges
Explanation: Betsy shows bravery as she overcomes her fear of the first day at school. This serves as a crucial turning point, highlighting her growth and resilience.
Real-World Application: This narrative encourages children to embrace new challenges such as starting a new school or trying new activities, reassuring them that it's normal to feel unsure at first but facing fears is rewarding.
Example Lesson: Empathy and kindness
Explanation: Betsy learns to understand and share the feelings of her peers, which strengthens her friendships and builds a supportive community in her classroom.
Real-World Application: Children reading this book can be inspired to practice empathy in real life, learning to consider others' feelings and perspectives which is fundamental in building strong interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Betsy takes on tasks and learns the value of being responsible, both in her school projects and in her interactions with friends.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be dependable and take responsibility for their actions, which is a crucial skill in developing personal integrity and accountability.