Betty Joan's Big Day at the Carnival
on Goodreads (1)
What’s inside...
The text paints a vivid picture of a carnival, capturing the excitement and sensory experiences associated with it. It describes the motion of rides with 'bumpty bump', the visual spectacle of bright carnival lights, the abundance of sweet treats like kettle corn and cotton candy, and the variety of entertainment such as roller-coasters and jugglers. The sounds, smells, and sights create an atmosphere of pure delight, complete with confetti and clowns that enhance the festive mood.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-9
Length
18 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was your favorite part of Betty Joan's day at the carnival and why?
How do you think Betty Joan felt when she won the prize? Have you ever felt the same way?
Why do you think Betty Joan decided to share her prize with her friends?
What would you have done if you were at the carnival with Betty Joan?
How do you think the carnival could be even more fun?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring the carnival scenes to life, conveying the excitement and joy experienced by Betty Joan.
Ask your child to imagine and describe their own ideal carnival day, integrating elements from the story.
Encourage empathy by discussing Betty Joan’s feelings at various points in the story and relating them to your child’s personal experiences.
Suggest drawing a picture of their favorite carnival game or activity mentioned in the book to deepen the connection with the story.
After reading, plan a family 'carnival' day with similar activities mentioned in the book to make the experience more tangible.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of sharing
Explanation: In the story, Betty Joan shares her carnival snacks and rides with her friends, showing the joy of shared experiences.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to share their toys and snacks with friends during playtimes, fostering a sense of community.
Example Lesson: Courage to try new things
Explanation: Betty Joan bravely tries several new carnival games and rides, even when she feels a bit scared at first.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to try new activities at school or in social settings, helping them grow and learn from diverse experiences.
Example Lesson: Importance of kindness
Explanation: Throughout the day, Betty Joan remains kind to all, even when there are disagreements among her friends.
Real-World Application: Kids can remember to treat others with kindness, especially when conflicts arise, promoting a more harmonious interaction in group settings.
Example Lesson: Being responsible
Explanation: Betty Joan is tasked with keeping her carnival tickets safe, teaching her responsibility.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of taking care of their belongings and the responsibilities that come with personal items.