Norton's First Show (Pony Tales)
#3 in Horse Tales Series
What’s inside...
Molly competes with her clever pony Norton in his first horse show. She knows that Norton is the best in the show, but will he earn the blue ribbon to prove it? Oblivious to her pony's misbehaving ways, Molly enters her beloved Norton in the horse show.
Discussion points
How do you think Norton felt during his first show? What makes you feel that way?
What are some challenges Norton faced and how did he overcome them?
Can you think of a time when you tried something new like Norton? How did you feel before and after the event?
Why is teamwork important, and how did it help Norton in the story?
What did you learn from Norton's experience that you can apply in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about Norton's adventures. Use follow-up questions to delve deeper into their responses. Share your own experiences with facing new challenges to create a bond and show empathy. Highlight the importance of perseverance and teamwork as demonstrated in the book, relating them to real-life scenarios your child might encounter. Lastly, applaud your child’s insights and contributions to the discussion to boost their confidence and engagement.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Norton, the protagonist pony, demonstrates perseverance by working hard and overcoming obstacles to prepare for his first show.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of persisting through challenges, whether it's learning a new skill or working on a difficult task at school.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the story, Norton receives help and support from other characters, emphasizing the value of working together.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to value collaborative efforts and seek help when needed in group tasks or team sports.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Taking care of Norton requires dedication and responsibility, reflecting the commitment needed to ensure the well-being of others.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this by taking responsibility for their actions and duties, such as completing homework on time or caring for a family pet.
Example Lesson: Building Confidence
Explanation: Norton gains confidence through practice and encouragement from his friends, illustrating the growth that comes from positive reinforcement.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to believe in themselves and understand that confidence can be developed through effort and support.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Fear
Explanation: Facing the big event, Norton must overcome his fears, a scenario that highlights the importance of facing and overcoming personal fears.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to confront their own fears and anxieties, whether it’s speaking in front of the class, trying out for a sports team, or something as simple as sleeping alone in the dark.