Franklin's Pond Phantom (Kids Can Read)
Franklin The Turtle Series
What’s inside...
Franklin and his friends are determined to watch and wait for the Pond Phantom to appear. Will they ever get to the bottom of the mystery? This Level 2 first reader contains longer stories, varied sentences, increased vocabulary, more difficult visual clues and some repetition.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Franklin learned about friendship in this story?
Why do you think the characters were scared of the Pond Phantom?
How did Franklin and his friends work together to solve the mystery?
What would you have done if you were in Franklin’s place?
How do you feel about the way the story ended?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the characters’ emotions and actions throughout the story.
Discuss the importance of teamwork and asking for help when solving problems, as shown by Franklin and his friends.
Enable your child to make connections by asking if they have ever felt similar to any of the characters in the book.
Highlight the value of courage and facing fears, prompting your child to share a time they overcame a fear.
Foster imagination by asking your child how they might continue the story or create their own mystery adventure.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: In 'Franklin’s Pond Phantom', Franklin and his friends confront their fears when they think there's a monster in the pond. Throughout the story, they learn that sometimes fear is based on the unknown, and facing it can often reveal there was nothing to fear after all.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to address their fears directly, whether it’s trying out for a sports team, speaking in front of the class, or sleeping alone in the dark. Understanding that fears can be conquered can help them take positive steps in real-life situations.
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: As the characters in the book work together to solve the mystery of the pond phantom, they demonstrate how teamwork can lead to better solutions than working alone.
Real-World Application: This story encourages children to collaborate with others, whether on school projects, in sports, or in family activities, showing that teamwork can lead to superior outcomes and more enjoyable experiences.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and problem solving
Explanation: Franklin and his friends use their reasoning skills to find out what is really happening at the pond. This promotes the use of logical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these skills in academic settings or in everyday decisions, learning to analyze situations and think critically to come up with effective solutions.
Example Lesson: Handling disappointment
Explanation: When Franklin and his friends discover the true nature of the 'phantom', they also learn to deal with their initial disappointment. This moment in the book highlights resilient coping strategies.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand that not all outcomes will meet their expectations, and that resilience and a positive attitude are key in dealing with such situations.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and exploration
Explanation: The book showcases the natural curiosity of Franklin and his friends as they explore a mysterious situation. This encourages an investigative spirit.
Real-World Application: Fostering curiosity can lead children to explore new hobbies, learn about different subjects, or simply inquire more about how the world works, enhancing their educational and personal growth.