What’s inside...
As Mommy and Daddy begin their day and get ready for work, a child observes this morning routine at home as well as the buzzing of a busy bee outside the window. A child experiences the sights and sounds of morning--from a bee buzzing outside to the noise of the awakening household to the flurry before Mommy and Daddy leave for work. Buzz celebrates the warm familiarity of the family routine, as well as the childlike game of discovering a recurring sound.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the buzzing sound in the story made the characters feel?
What would you do if you heard a mysterious buzzing sound like in the book?
Why do you think the author chose a buzzing sound as an important part of the story?
Can you think of a time when you heard a noise that made you curious or scared? What was it like?
How do the illustrations help tell the story of the buzzing sound?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine and describe what they think the source of the buzzing could be before it is revealed in the story.
Ask your child to draw or describe another scene that could happen in the book, using the buzzing sound as a central element.
Discuss with your child how sounds can affect our emotions and reactions. Share a personal story where a specific sound had an impact on you.
After reading, create a fun activity where you both listen for and identify different sounds around your home or neighborhood.
Praise your child’s responses and thoughts to build their confidence in expressing their opinions and ideas about stories.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: In 'Buzz,' children are introduced to the concept of working together through the story’s characters who must collaborate to complete a project.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in group activities at school or in play, learning to cooperate and value each other’s input.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The protagonist in 'Buzz' learns about taking responsibility for their actions when a plan goes awry, teaching children the importance of accountability.
Real-World Application: Kids can take on small responsibilities at home, such as taking care of a pet or maintaining their room, to cultivate a sense of duty and accountability.
Example Lesson: Creative Problem Solving
Explanation: The book encourages thinking outside the box through its storyline where characters face challenges that require creative solutions.
Real-World Application: This lesson is transferable to real life where children can be encouraged to think creatively in their problem-solving, whether in their academic tasks or personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Persistence
Explanation: Characters in 'Buzz' demonstrate persistence despite setbacks, teaching children the value of resilience and determination.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to persist in their learning and hobbies, understanding that challenges are part of growth and success.
Example Lesson: Joy of Learning
Explanation: Throughout 'Buzz,' the joy of uncovering new ideas and learning is palpable, which promotes a positive attitude towards education.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to approach learning with enthusiasm and curiosity in their educational journey and beyond.