Be Bigger: Talking with Trees Series
#2 in Talking With Trees Series
What’s inside...
A story about treating friends with respect and kindness, even when feelings are hurt. Hurt feelings are no fun. So when a girl feels hurt by her friend, all she can think to do is hurt her friend right back. But the wise old tree at this playground has seen this cycle of nastiness before. The wise tree speaks up to help the girl find a more kind, respectful way to work out her friendship troubles. 'I understand. Your heart and your stomach are tied up in knots. If you leave Emma out so her heart hurts too, will that help you feel better?' asked the tree. 'Not when you say it like that. That just sounds mean. But what else can I do?' pleaded the girl. Through captivating illustrations and some chuckles, Be Bigger helps children to work through their emotions and to see a positive, respectful way of working out disagreements. The tree uses ages-old wisdom and loving encouragement to teach a growth mindset, encouraging kids to persevere through challenging situations. Free supporting worksheets and other teaching resources are available at https://TalkingTreeBooks.com Book 2 in the Talking with Trees series of values books for kids. Written for children grades K-4, Talking with Trees books include supersize pictures that engage children emotionally, helping them learn how to use their hearts and minds to guide them toward building good character traits like respect, honesty, responsibility, and empathy.
Discussion points
What does it mean to you to 'be bigger' in tough situations?
How did the characters handle their feelings in the story? Can you think of a time when you felt the same?
What are some ways you can show kindness to others even when it's hard?
What does being a good friend look like according to the story?
How do you think the trees feel when they are talked to, and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressions and gestures to bring the story to life, making the reading experience more engaging for your child.
Relate the themes of the book to real-life scenarios your child might encounter, such as sharing toys or dealing with disappointment.
Encourage your child to talk about their feelings and experiences that relate to the story, affirming that it's okay to feel upset or disappointed sometimes.
Ask your child to draw a picture of a scene from the book where a character is 'being bigger,' discussing what's happening and how the character might be feeling.
Praise your child for insightful comments or connections they make, which reinforces their engagement and understanding of the book's themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Be Bigger,' the protagonist learns to understand and empathize with peers who may seem different. This is portrayed through interactive discussions and situations where the protagonist considers the feelings of others.
Real-World Application: Children can use this lesson to navigate social interactions more thoughtfully, considering the perspectives of others in school or during play to foster more inclusive and supportive friendships.
Example Lesson: Conflict Resolution
Explanation: The book guides children on how to manage conflicts constructively. This is shown when characters face disagreements and are taught to resolve them through communication rather than anger.
Real-World Application: This lesson equips children with the skills to handle disagreements in school or with siblings, promoting peaceful and effective solutions instead of resorting to arguments.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Characters in the story learn the importance of taking responsibility for their actions. This is highlighted when the protagonist makes a mistake and learns to own up to it and apologize.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by acknowledging their actions and understanding their consequences, which helps them grow into responsible individuals.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The book teaches resilience through characters who face challenges but learn to overcome them with perseverance and courage.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to stay persistent in their endeavors, whether it's completing a difficult school project or dealing with personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Self-Expression
Explanation: Through the story, the protagonist learns the value of expressing one's feelings and thoughts in a healthy way. This is demonstrated when characters share their emotions openly and are met with support.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to express themselves in their real lives, helping them to communicate more effectively and build emotional intelligence.