Ronnie’s Pool
What’s inside...
Ronnie the rabbit dreams of having a pool and with the help of his father and friends, he learns that hard work and positivity can turn dreams into reality. Meanwhile, Thomas the turkey has lost his feathers and needs help finding them. Children can take part in a fun feather hunt by retracing Thomas's steps around the house, with the feathers hidden by parents or older siblings, creating a new Thanksgiving tradition.
Age
4-7
Length
35 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Ronnie felt when he first saw the pool? Can you remember a time you felt the same way?
What are some ways Ronnie tried to overcome his fear of water? Have you ever been afraid of something and how did you handle it?
Why do you think the animals wanted to help Ronnie? What does this tell us about friendship?
Can you think of a different ending for the story? What would you change and why?
What did Ronnie learn by the end of the story? How do you think he will approach new challenges in the future?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to convey the emotions of Ronnie and other characters. This helps your child connect emotionally with the story.
Pause after moments of tension or excitement in the story to ask your child how they think a character is feeling or what they might do next.
Relate the story to your child's experiences by discussing similar situations they've faced or emotions they've felt, fostering empathy and self-reflection.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative scenarios or endings to the story to enhance their creative thinking and storytelling skills.
Discuss the theme of friendship and teamwork demonstrated in the book, and relate it to your child's interactions with their peers.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Sharing
Explanation: In 'Ronnie’s Pool,' the main character Ronnie learns to share his pool with his friends, demonstrating that sharing can lead to more fun and enjoyment.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by sharing their toys or snacks with friends, fostering a more inclusive and enjoyable playtime.
Example Lesson: Value of Patience
Explanation: Throughout the book, Ronnie waits patiently for his turn to play games in the pool, illustrating the virtue of patience in waiting for one's turn.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in school or during group activities where taking turns and patiently waiting can lead to a harmonious and fair environment.
Example Lesson: Courage to Try New Things
Explanation: Ronnie initially hesitates but eventually tries new pool games, highlighting the importance of overcoming hesitations to discover new joys.
Real-World Application: Children can use this lesson to be more open to participating in new activities at school or extra-curricular clubs, helping them to broaden their horizons and enjoy new experiences.
Example Lesson: Understanding and Empathy
Explanation: When a friend is scared to dive into the pool, Ronnie shows understanding and empathy, making him feel comfortable and supported.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be empathetic towards their peers' feelings and fears, which can strengthen friendships and social bonds.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Ronnie and his friends creatively solve how to make the pool games fun for everyone, promoting problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to think of solutions during disputes or challenges in group settings, enhancing their cognitive and social skills.