Junie B First Grader Turkeys We Have Loved and Eaten and Other Thankful Stuff
#28 of 28 in Junie B. Jones Series
What’s inside...
It's holiday time in Room One and the students are preparing for a Thanksgiving feast, including a contest to write the best thankful list for a chance to win a pumpkin pie. However, Junie B. Jones finds it challenging to be thankful, particularly for things like Tattletale May, squash, and scratchy pilgrim costumes. Amidst the drama of a degenerated turkey drawing and the chaos of preparing for the feast, the students struggle to focus on gratitude. Will they succeed in finding common ground and celebrating Thanksgiving, or will it turn into a Turkey Day Disaster?
Discussion points
What was your favorite part of the Thanksgiving event in the story, and why?
How did Junie B. and her friends show that they were thankful?
If you were in Junie B.'s class, what unique food would you suggest for a Thanksgiving feast?
Why do you think it's important to share and be grateful during Thanksgiving?
How would you help a friend who felt left out during a celebration like Thanksgiving?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own favorite Thanksgiving tradition or memory to encourage a reciprocal exchange. Use open-ended questions from the list to allow your child to express their thoughts and connect their feelings with the story’s events. Highlight the importance of gratitude and kindness by reflecting on Junie B.'s experiences and relating them to personal or family values. Lastly, keep the discussion light and enjoyable to foster a love for reading and thoughtful conversation.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Gratitude
Explanation: The story revolves around Junie B. and her classmates discussing what they are thankful for, highlighting the importance of gratitude.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by taking time each day to think about what they are grateful for, encouraging a positive outlook.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, Junie B. collaborates with her classmates on a Thanksgiving project, demonstrating the importance of working together.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to cooperate with others in group activities at school or in sports, promoting social skills and collective problem-solving.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Junie B. begins to understand different perspectives as she listens to her classmates’ stories, fostering empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can practice empathy by listening actively to their peers and trying to understand their feelings and viewpoints during interactions.
Example Lesson: Creative Expression
Explanation: The class project requires the students, including Junie B., to creatively express what they are thankful for, enhancing their creativity.
Real-World Application: Children can engage in arts and crafts or storytelling activities at home or school to express themselves creatively and build confidence.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Junie B. encounters and resolves minor conflicts during her project, which highlights problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of addressing and resolving daily challenges through thoughtful decision-making.