Cliques Just Don't Make Cents (Building Relationships)
#2 of 9 in Building Relationships Series
What’s inside...
Penny tries to hang with the Coin Clique but feels left out as the other coins, especially Quarter and Half Dollar, are best friends and tell Penny she isn't worth much. Penny then meets Dollar, a beautiful gold coin who teaches her about her true value and helps her feel as shiny on the inside as she looks on the outside. 'Cliques Just Don't Make Cents' is part of the Building Relationships series and educates children on the emotional impact of cliques while encouraging better relationships through acceptance and inclusivity.
Discussion points
How do you feel when someone is left out of a group? Can you share a time when you felt excluded?
Why do you think people form cliques? Do you think it's important everyone feels included?
What are some ways you can help someone feel included if they are left out?
How did Penny help resolve the issues between the nickels and the quarters?
What would you do if you saw your friends not letting someone join in?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing a personal experience about inclusion or exclusion to create a comfortable space for your child to share.
Encourage your child to think of specific examples from their own experiences at school or in groups, relating them to the story in the book.
Discuss the characters’ emotions and decisions in the story, asking your child how they might feel or act in similar situations.
Reinforce the importance of empathy by highlighting moments in the book where characters show understanding and support towards each other.
Praise your child for thoughtful responses and insights, fostering a positive and open dialogue.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding the value of friendship over materialism
Explanation: The story explores how friendships are more valuable than monetary wealth, as the characters learn the importance of relationships over possessions.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by prioritizing their friendships and valuing personal connections over material items in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: The impact of exclusion in social groups
Explanation: This book portrays the negative effects of forming cliques and excluding others, emphasizing empathy and inclusiveness.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be inclusive in their play and interactions at school, ensuring no one feels left out.
Example Lesson: Navigating peer pressure
Explanation: Characters in the book deal with the pressures of conforming to group norms, learning to make decisions independently.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to make choices based on their own values rather than succumbing to peer pressure.
Example Lesson: The importance of honest communication
Explanation: Through the story, children see how misunderstandings are resolved through open and honest communication.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to express their feelings and thoughts openly, which can help resolve conflicts and deepen their friendships.
Example Lesson: Building empathy
Explanation: The narrative helps children understand and share the feelings of others, promoting a more empathetic view towards classmates.
Real-World Application: This can be applied in a child’s life by encouraging them to consider how others feel before acting, fostering a more compassionate environment.