Dear Panda
What’s inside...
When Florence moves house, she's a little bit worried about starting a new school and making new friends. But luckily - through the power of letters - she makes one very special penpal friend, Panda, and he brings confidence and joy into her world.
Discussion points
Why do you think Florence wrote a letter to Panda? What would you write in a letter to a new friend?
How do you think Florence felt when she moved to a new town? Have you ever felt the same way?
What are some ways Florence and Panda helped each other feel better? Can you think of a time when a friend helped you feel better?
Why is it important to have friends? What do you like most about your friends?
How did Florence and Panda's friendship change by the end of the book? What do you think their next adventure might be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they would feel in Florence’s situation, helping them to connect emotionally with the story.
Highlight the theme of friendship by discussing the importance of making and maintaining friendships, especially when facing new challenges or environments.
Use examples from the book to talk about problem-solving and how friends can help solve problems together.
After reading, ask your child to draw a picture of an adventure they would like to have with their best friend, fostering creativity and reinforcing the story’s themes.
Discuss how communication, like writing letters, can help in making new friends and keeping in touch, linking it to their own life experiences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: In 'Dear Panda,' Florence moves to a new town and feels lonely until she writes a letter to the panda who lives next door. Through their correspondence, they develop a heartfelt friendship.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of reaching out and making connections, helping them to overcome shyness and build friendships in new environments like school or neighborhood.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Problem-Solving
Explanation: Florence and Panda use their letters to suggest creative ways to help each other adjust to new situations, demonstrating problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Children learn to think creatively when facing their own challenges and to use innovative thinking to help others in different situations.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: As Florence and Panda share their feelings and experiences, they show empathy by listening and responding to each other’s concerns, which strengthens their bond.
Real-World Application: This highlights the importance of empathy and understanding in real life, encouraging children to consider others' feelings and viewpoints.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Change
Explanation: Both Florence and Panda experience significant changes with Florence moving to a new place and Panda adjusting to new neighbors. They support each other through these transitions, showcasing resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn to adapt to changes like starting a new grade or moving to a new town, understanding that they can find support and friendship along the way.
Example Lesson: Expressing Oneself Through Writing
Explanation: The characters use letter writing as a main form of communication, which is not only charming but also a great way to express thoughts and feelings clearly.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to practice writing as a form of self-expression and communication, improving their literacy and emotional expression.