Tea with Grandpa
on Goodreads (344)
What’s inside...
In 'Tea with Grandpa,' a heartwarming picture book by Barney Saltzberg, a little girl shares the special moments she spends with her grandfather during their daily tea ritual. Despite the physical distance between them, they connect through video chat, where they sing, laugh, eat, and play together. The simple rhyming text and illustrations beautifully capture the joy of their bond and the magic of technology that keeps them close.
Age
4-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Granddaughter
Grandpa
Discussion points
How do you think the girl feels when she has tea with her grandpa?
What are some ways the girl and her grandpa show they care for each other?
Why do you think it's important for the girl to have tea time with her grandpa?
Can you think of a special tradition you would like to start with someone in our family?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing a personal story about a bonding activity you had with a grandparent or an older relative.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about family relationships and discuss the value of family traditions.
Ask your child to draw a picture of what they would like their ideal tea time with a grandparent to look like, discussing each element they include.
Use the themes of the book to plan an actual tea time with your child, making connections between the story and your real-life activities.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Family Connections
Explanation: In 'Tea with Grandpa', the story revolves around a granddaughter and her grandfather sharing tea via a video call, emphasizing maintaining relationships despite physical distances.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of staying connected with family members who live far away, using technology to bridge the gap and maintain emotional closeness.
Example Lesson: Adaptability to Change
Explanation: The use of video calls for the tea party shows adaptability to new ways of interaction when traditional methods aren't possible.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be flexible and creative in finding solutions to stay connected with loved ones in the face of challenges such as geographical separation.
Example Lesson: Generational Bonding
Explanation: The book highlights the joyful experiences shared between different generations, showcasing the special bond the granddaughter has with her grandfather.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to engage with older family members, fostering respect and understanding across generations.
Example Lesson: Consistency in Relationships
Explanation: The regularity of the tea sessions between the granddaughter and her grandfather in the book teaches the importance of consistency in nurturing relationships.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn the significance of regular engagements with loved ones, understanding that consistent efforts strengthen emotional ties.
Example Lesson: Embracing Technology in Positive Ways
Explanation: The story portrays technology as a tool for maintaining relationships and sharing experiences despite physical barriers.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to view and use technology positively and responsibly to enhance their communication and relationships.