Geoffrey Gets the Jitters
Geoffrey's Adventures Series
on Goodreads (23)
What’s inside...
In 'Geoffrey Gets the Jitters,' a young giraffe named Geoffrey faces his fears of public speaking. Despite being the tallest animal in the savannah, Geoffrey is incredibly shy and nervous about talking in front of his classmates. With the help of his friends, a wise old owl and a confident parrot, Geoffrey learns valuable lessons about self-confidence and preparation. Through a series of humorous and heartwarming events, Geoffrey overcomes his anxiety and delivers a speech that impresses everyone, proving that even those who are jittery can find their voice and speak out loud and proud.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Geoffrey felt when he first got the jitters? Have you ever felt the same way?
What do you think are some of the best ways to help a friend who's feeling nervous or scared?
How did Geoffrey's friends help him overcome his jitters? What does this teach us about friendship?
What changes did you notice in Geoffrey by the end of the story? How did overcoming his jitters affect him?
If you were in the story, what advice would you give Geoffrey when he was feeling jittery?
Tip: Role play these questions
Utilize pauses after reading key moments in the story to ask your child how they think the character is feeling, helping them connect emotionally with Geoffrey.
Encourage your child to share personal experiences related to the story’s theme, fostering a deeper personal connection and understanding.
Praise your child for insightful comments or when they make connections between the story and real life, reinforcing positive engagement.
Discuss the importance of supporting friends, using examples from the book to illustrate how Geoffrey’s friends played a crucial role in his confidence.
After reading, participate in a creative activity like drawing a scene from the book where Geoffrey felt brave, to reinforce the message through art.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Overcoming Fear
Explanation: Geoffrey, a small yet brave guinea pig, faces his fears of the unknown when he attends his first day at school. Through his journey, he learns that courage can make seemingly scary situations manageable.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson to their own lives by facing new challenges with bravery, whether it’s trying a new sport, meeting new friends, or starting school.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Throughout the book, Geoffrey encounters classmates who are different from him. He learns to understand and empathize with their feelings and perspectives, which helps him make new friends.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate diversity and practice empathy in their interactions with peers, helping them build stronger, more respectful relationships.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Asking for Help
Explanation: Geoffrey learns that asking for help when he feels overwhelmed is not a sign of weakness but of strength. His teacher and new friends offer support that helps him overcome his jitters.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to seek support from trusted adults or peers when facing difficulties, fostering a sense of community and teamwork.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: As Geoffrey navigates his first day, he encounters various unexpected situations. He learns to adapt to changes and find joy in new experiences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be adaptable in changing circumstances, a skill that is valuable in all aspects of life from school to personal challenges.