Franklin's Ups and Downs (Franklin and Friends)
Franklin The Turtle Series
on Goodreads (17)
What’s inside...
Franklin's friends have all mastered a cool new toy --- Pogo Paws! But when Franklin tries the jumping shoes, he falls flat on his shell. With a little help from Bear, Franklin learns that practice makes perfect!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Franklin felt when he had a bad day, and what helped him feel better?
Can you think of a time when you felt like Franklin? How did you handle it?
Why is it important to talk about our feelings, just like Franklin does with his friends?
What can we learn from how Franklin's friends helped him?
How do you think helping others might make us feel good too?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing a personal story about a time you faced ups and downs, to help your child feel comfortable sharing their own experiences. Use the illustrations in the book as a visual aid to discuss different emotions Franklin experiences. Reinforce the message that it’s okay to have bad days, and emphasize the importance of support from friends and family. Encourage your child to talk about their feelings daily, not just when they’re feeling down.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Change
Explanation: Franklin faces various changes and challenges that he learns to overcome throughout the story, teaching children that change is a natural part of life.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to adapt to new situations such as starting a new school year or making new friends.
Example Lesson: Value of Perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, Franklin encounters problems which he does not give up on, demonstrating the importance of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of persisting with difficult tasks at school or in other activities, reinforcing that effort leads to success.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: Franklin relies on the support and advice from his friends when facing his ups and downs, showcasing the importance of having supportive relationships.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value their friendships and seek and offer support in their own relationships, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Example Lesson: Handling Emotions
Explanation: The character experiences a range of emotions, which teaches children about emotional expression and regulation.
Real-World Application: This lesson is crucial as children learn to identify and manage their own emotions in various situations, contributing to their emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Franklin's journey includes solving problems creatively, which highlights the value of critical thinking and creativity.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically and find creative solutions to their own problems, whether at school or in play.