I Am the Turkey (I Can Read Book 2)
#2 of 37 in I Can Read Book 2 Series
What’s inside...
Mark does not want to play the turkey in the second grade Thanksgiving play, but then he ends up saving the day. Mark's class is putting on a Thanksgiving play, and Mark is going to be the turkey! He is very excited -- until his big brother, Tim, tells him what the turkey's real role in the first Thanksgiving dinner was. If Mark can't find a way to get out of being the turkey, he could be a dead duck! Author Michele Sobel Spirn and illustrator Joy Allen cook up a hilarious holiday feast for beginning readers.
Discussion points
What do you think about Mark's role in the school play as the turkey? How would you feel in his situation?
Why do you think Mark was nervous? Have you ever felt the same way?
What are some ways Mark’s friends and family support him? How do we support each other in our family?
How did Mark change from the beginning of the story to the end? Do you think he learned anything?
If you were to be a part of a play, which character would you choose to be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story’s themes, relating them to their own experiences. Use the discussion to foster empathy by exploring different characters' perspectives. Highlight the importance of support and encouragement from friends and family, relating it back to your child’s life. Reinforce the idea that feeling nervous is normal and discuss ways to handle such emotions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The protagonist, Mark, is given the responsibility of playing the turkey in the school play. Through his journey, children see the challenges and rewards of taking on responsibilities.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of fulfilling roles they are given, whether in family chores or school projects, teaching them accountability and reliability.
Example Lesson: Self-confidence
Explanation: Throughout the play preparation, Mark deals with self-doubt but eventually gains confidence in his role. This transformation highlights the importance of believing in oneself.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to overcome their fears and be confident in their abilities in new or challenging situations, like trying out for a team or speaking in class.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Mark's interaction with his classmates during the play preparations shows how working together is crucial for success. The story emphasizes the collective effort in putting on a school play.
Real-World Application: Children understand the value of cooperation and helping each other to achieve common goals, applicable in group studies, sports teams, or family activities.
Example Lesson: Managing Nervousness
Explanation: As the play approaches, Mark feels nervous, a natural emotion that the story addresses with sensitivity. He learns techniques to manage his nervousness.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these techniques to handle their own anxieties, such as before exams or during public performances, encouraging better emotional regulation.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Expression
Explanation: Playing a role in a school play allows Mark to express himself creatively. This aspect of the story highlights the importance of arts in education.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to engage in creative activities like drama, music, or art to express themselves uniquely and bolster their imaginative skills.