Franklin's Partner (Franklin and Friends)
#5 in Franklin The Turtle Series
on Goodreads (7)
What’s inside...
Franklin the turtle and his best friend, Bear, are excited about the Bumpy Buggy race in their town and agree to be partners. However, they face a challenge when they can't agree on how to design their buggy. Franklin wants a rocket design without wings, while Bear prefers adding wings and calling it the Mean Green Speedmobile. Their disagreement threatens their partnership, but it also teaches valuable lessons on cooperation, fairness, and teamwork. As they navigate their differences, the book teaches young readers that compromising can lead to a win-win situation for everyone involved. This story, based on the 3D-animated series Franklin and Friends, is an engaging read-aloud that provides both entertainment and character education.
Discussion points
What do you think are the most important qualities in a friend, like those shown between Franklin and his friends?
How did Franklin handle disagreements with his friends in the story, and what can we learn from that?
Can you share a time when you had to work together with a friend to solve a problem? What was that like?
Why do you think teamwork is important, as shown in Franklin's adventures?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the themes, relate them to your child’s personal experiences with friends to make the conversation more relatable.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about friendship and cooperation, validating their emotions as part of the discussion.
Use examples from the book to illustrate positive friendship traits and ask your child how they might implement those traits in their own relationships.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cooperation
Explanation: In 'Franklin's Partner', Franklin learns the importance of working together through a school project with his friend Bear.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in group activities at school or helping out with team-oriented tasks at home, learning that cooperation can lead to successful outcomes.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The story teaches children about taking responsibility, as Franklin and Bear must both contribute equally to their joint project.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to take ownership of their tasks, whether it's homework, chores, or personal projects, fostering a sense of accountability from a young age.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: When difficulties arise with their project, Franklin and Bear must think critically and solve problems together.
Real-World Application: Children learn that challenges can be overcome by thoughtful consideration and collaboration, skills that are essential in school and beyond.
Example Lesson: Communication
Explanation: Throughout the project, Franklin and Bear learn the importance of clear communication to express their ideas and resolve misunderstandings.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that expressing their thoughts clearly and listening to others are key to effective communication and relationship building.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: The book highlights how Franklin and Bear adapt their original plans for the project to better suit their goals, demonstrating flexibility.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of being open to changes and adapting to new situations, a vital skill in navigating various aspects of life.