Geraldine and Mrs. Duffy
on Goodreads (25)
What’s inside...
Geraldine and her brother Willie are initially opposed to having Mrs. Duffy baby-sit them, and even go as far as setting up a surprise for her with a large iguana in the bathtub. However, Mrs. Duffy handles the situation adeptly and wins over the children with her ability to manage their bedtime routine. By the end of the evening, Geraldine and Willie find themselves hoping that Mrs. Duffy will come back to baby-sit again soon.
Discussion points
How did Geraldine feel when she first met Mrs. Duffy, and how did her feelings change throughout the story?
What kind actions did Geraldine and Mrs. Duffy do for each other? How do you think these actions made them feel?
Why do you think it's important to have friends from different age groups?
How did Geraldine and Mrs. Duffy help each other overcome their challenges?
What would you do if you met someone like Mrs. Duffy? How could you make them feel welcome?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, relate the feelings of Geraldine to your child’s own experiences with new friends or elderly people in their life.
Encourage your child to think about the actions they can take to be kind to others, mimicking the characters in the story.
Ask your child to imagine and discuss different scenarios where they could help someone else, similar to how Geraldine helped Mrs. Duffy.
After reading, facilitate a role-play where your child can act out moments from the book, helping them further understand the emotions and motivations of the characters.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of empathy
Explanation: In 'Geraldine and Mrs. Duffy', Geraldine learns to understand and share the feelings of Mrs. Duffy, an elderly woman, showing empathy when she realizes Mrs. Duffy feels lonely.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by recognizing emotions in others and responding with kindness and understanding, which is crucial for building strong relationships.
Example Lesson: Value of companionship
Explanation: The story emphasizes the mutual benefits of companionship as Geraldine and Mrs. Duffy enjoy each other's company, effectively illustrating that friendships can transcend age barriers.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the significance of forming diverse friendships which can enrich their lives and provide different perspectives.
Example Lesson: The impact of community service
Explanation: Geraldine helps Mrs. Duffy with various tasks, showing that helping others is a rewarding experience and contributes positively to the community.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to participate in community service, learning that their actions have the power to make a difference in others’ lives.
Example Lesson: Understanding and accepting differences
Explanation: Through their interactions, Geraldine learns to accept and appreciate the differences between herself and Mrs. Duffy, promoting inclusivity.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children embrace diversity in people around them, fostering a more inclusive and understanding community.