A Nickel for Mr. Beickel
What’s inside...
When fourth grader, Bo, finds a nickel on his way to school, he decides to give it to his favorite principal, Mr. Beickel. However, Bo keeps missing the chance to see Mr. Beickel throughout the busy day. As the school day progresses, his friends reminisce about all the great things their principal has done for Bridges Elementary, and soon many students want to help replace the nickel with larger coins to give Mr. Beickel. What happens at the end of the day when Bo finally sees Mr. Beickel? Find out what Bo decides to do with the money, and how he learns to pay it forward, all thanks to the best principal in the world!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-11
Length
37 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Mr. Beickel values most and why?
How did the characters' actions show kindness?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone like the characters in the book?
What would you do if you were in the main character's situation?
How do you think the story would change if it happened today?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences, fostering a deeper personal connection. Pause at key moments in the story to discuss the character's feelings and decisions, helping your child develop empathy and critical thinking. Use the illustrations in the book to ask your child to describe what they see and imagine what the characters might be thinking or feeling. After reading, ask your child to draw a scene from the book or write a short letter to one of the characters, enhancing their creative expression.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of kindness
Explanation: In 'A Nickel for Mr. Beickel', the protagonist shows kindness by helping Mr. Beickel, an elderly neighbor, with his daily chores.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by offering to help their siblings, friends, or neighbors with tasks, fostering an environment of compassion and cooperation.
Example Lesson: Importance of saving and financial responsibility
Explanation: The story highlights how the protagonist saves a nickel and learns about budgeting and the significance of money.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to start saving their allowances and managing small amounts of money responsibly, which are crucial skills for their future.
Example Lesson: Respect for the elderly
Explanation: The interactions between the young protagonist and Mr. Beickel showcase mutual respect and admiration, emphasizing the importance of respecting older individuals.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to listen to stories from their grandparents or elderly neighbors, showing respect and learning from their experiences.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Through the story, children see the world from Mr. Beickel’s perspective, which teaches them empathy towards others’ feelings and situations.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to be considerate and empathetic in their interactions at school and at home, understanding that everyone has unique experiences and feelings.
Example Lesson: Community involvement
Explanation: The protagonist’s actions in assisting Mr. Beickel demonstrate the importance of being active in one's community.
Real-World Application: Children can be motivated to participate in community service or local events, helping them build a sense of belonging and contribution to the community.