Nerdy Birdy Tweets
Nerdy Birdy Series
What’s inside...
Nerdy Birdy and his best friend, Vulture, are very different. Nerdy Birdy loves video games, but Vulture finds them BORING. Vulture loves snacking on dead things, but Nerdy Birdy finds that GROSS. Luckily, you don’t have to agree on everything to still be friends. One day, Nerdy Birdy joins Tweetster, and the friend requests start flying in. Vulture watches as Nerdy Birdy gets swept up in his new friendships, but when she finally gets angry, Nerdy Birdy knows just what to do to make things right.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Nerdy Birdy felt when his friends were upset with his tweets?
What are some ways Nerdy Birdy could have used social media differently?
Why is it important to think about others’ feelings before sharing something online?
What does this story teach us about friendship in the digital age?
How would you handle a similar situation if you were in Nerdy Birdy’s place?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin by asking your child how they use technology and social media, drawing parallels to the story to make it relatable.
Encourage empathy by discussing how each character might have felt in different parts of the story.
Highlight the consequences of Nerdy Birdy's actions and ask your child how they might have handled it differently.
Discuss the importance of balancing online interactions with in-person relationships.
Use examples from the book to teach responsible social media behavior.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The impact of online behavior on real-life relationships
Explanation: In 'Nerdy Birdy Tweets,' Nerdy Birdy gets so caught up in his online friendships that he neglects his real-life friend, Vulture. This demonstrates how excessive screen time can affect real-world relationships.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of balancing online interactions with face-to-face relationships, ensuring they maintain strong connections with friends and family outside of digital platforms.
Example Lesson: The consequences of not thinking before posting
Explanation: Nerdy Birdy posts a picture of Vulture without her permission, which leads to hurt feelings. This highlights the importance of considering the consequences before sharing something online.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to be mindful about what they share on social media or other online platforms, respecting others’ privacy and feelings.
Example Lesson: Apologizing and making amends
Explanation: After realizing his mistake, Nerdy Birdy apologizes to Vulture, showing the importance of acknowledging mistakes and apologizing sincerely.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of genuine apologies and the steps necessary to mend a friendship when they’ve hurt someone, which is crucial for developing healthy interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Valuing individual differences
Explanation: Nerdy Birdy and Vulture have different interests, yet they are good friends. The story teaches that friendships can thrive despite differences.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to appreciate and respect diverse perspectives and personalities in their peers, promoting inclusivity and empathy.