Franklin and the Stopwatch (Kids Can Read)
#10 in Franklin The Turtle Series
What’s inside...
Franklin finds a stopwatch in the junk drawer and proceeds to drive family and friends crazy by timing everything they do. When Franklin gets a taste of his own medicine, will he realize that sometimes a stopwatch needs to stop watching? This Level 2 first reader contains longer stories, varied sentences, increased vocabulary, more difficult visual clues and some repetition.
Character compass
Franklin
Discussion points
How do you think Franklin felt when he first got the stopwatch?
What are some ways Franklin used the stopwatch with his friends?
Why do you think Franklin decided to put the stopwatch away at the end?
How can we use time to help us in our daily activities?
What would you do if you had a stopwatch for a day?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to share their personal experiences related to waiting or being patient, connecting it to Franklin’s experiences.
Discuss the importance of balancing time between fun activities and responsibilities, drawing parallels to Franklin’s decisions in the story.
Ask your child how they feel about sharing and taking turns, prompting them to relate to the characters in the book.
Explore the concept of time management with your child by planning a fun timed activity after reading the book.
Invite your child to imagine other adventures or games involving a stopwatch, fostering creativity and extending the themes of the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding the value of time
Explanation: In the story, Franklin receives a stopwatch and becomes fascinated with timing everything, which demonstrates the concept of measuring and valuing time.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to manage their time efficiently when completing tasks like homework or getting ready for school.
Example Lesson: Respect for others' feelings
Explanation: Franklin inadvertently frustrates his friends by incessantly timing their activities, teaching readers about considering others' feelings.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of empathy and how their actions can affect the emotions of those around them.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Franklin resolves the tension with his friends by finding a way to use the stopwatch that they all enjoy, showcasing effective problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Children learn to think creatively and collaboratively find solutions to conflicts or issues they encounter with peers.
Example Lesson: Learning to apologize
Explanation: After realizing his mistake, Franklin apologizes to his friends, highlighting the importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of sincere apologies and how they can mend friendships and build trust.
Example Lesson: Balancing fun and responsibility
Explanation: Franklin learns to balance his new fascination with the stopwatch with his responsibilities to his friends, integrating fun with consideration for others.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn that while it’s important to enjoy hobbies and interests, they should also remain mindful of their duties and relationships.