Daniel's New Friend (Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood)
#8 of 107 in Daniel Tiger's neighborhood Series
What’s inside...
Daniel Tiger makes a new friend, Chrissie, when he visits Prince Wednesday's castle with Miss Elaina. Although Chrissie wears braces on her legs to help her walk, she shares Daniel's love for the color red and playing pretend. Daniel is thrilled to make a wonderful new friend, showing that small differences don't get in the way of friendship. This story, based on an episode of Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, helps children understand that anyone can become a new friend despite physical differences.
Discussion points
How did Daniel feel when he met his new friend and why do you think he felt that way?
What are some ways Daniel and his friends show kindness to each other in the story?
Why is it important to be friendly and open to meeting new people?
Can you think of a time when you made a new friend? What did you do to make them feel welcome?
Tip: Role play these questions
Set a positive tone by sharing your own experiences of meeting new friends and how it made you feel.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, relating it to their own life experiences whenever possible.
Highlight the importance of empathy by discussing how the characters' emotions might have felt in various scenarios throughout the book.
Use expressive reading techniques, such as different voices for different characters and modulating your voice to match the emotions of the scenes, to help make the story more engaging and relatable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Acceptance of differences
Explanation: The story highlights how Daniel Tiger befriends a new classmate, despite their differences in appearance and abilities. It teaches children to appreciate diversity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace and respect peers who may look or behave differently from themselves, fostering inclusivity from a young age.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Daniel shows empathy by trying to understand his new friend’s feelings and perspective, which helps in forming a deeper connection.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to consider and respect the feelings of others in their interactions, aiding in developing emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship
Explanation: The story portrays the joy and mutual support that comes with making new friends, emphasizing the value of friendships in one’s life.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to cultivate and value friendships, which can provide emotional support and enhance their social skills.
Example Lesson: Courage to try new things
Explanation: Daniel is initially hesitant to approach his new classmate but finds the courage to do so, discovering a wonderful new friendship.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to overcome their fears and apprehensions in meeting new people or exploring unfamiliar situations.