The Precious Gift of Patience: Kindness Always Comes to Find You
What’s inside...
Everybody loves Willow because of her kindness, compassion, and positivity. Despite lacking material possessions and athletic skills, her warm nature makes her popular in school. However, an incident at school makes Willow question the value of kindness and compassion in an unfair world. This story emphasizes the importance of being kind and patient, and introduces the law of attraction, suggesting that positive energy will eventually be returned. It teaches children that being thoughtful and helpful is crucial for society and is always appreciated, even if it may not always seem apparent.
Age
5-14
Length
31 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the story teaches us about being patient?
Why do you think kindness is important in the story and in real life?
Can you remember a time when someone was kind to you? How did that make you feel?
How do you think the characters felt when they showed patience and kindness?
What are some ways you can show patience and kindness to others?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a calm and gentle voice when discussing the themes of patience and kindness to create a comforting atmosphere.
Relate the story to real-life incidents where being patient and kind resolved a situation, helping the child to connect with the book’s message.
Encourage the child to think about how they can apply lessons of patience and kindness in their interactions at school or with friends.
Praise the child for examples of when they have shown patience and kindness, reinforcing the positive behavior highlighted in the book.
Ask open-ended questions that allow the child to express their feelings and thoughts, thereby deepening their understanding and connection to the theme.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Patience is a Virtue
Explanation: The story of 'The Precious Gift of Patience' shows the protagonist waiting calmly for things they desire, teaching children that good things come to those who wait.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by waiting their turn during games or activities, learning that patience can lead to more rewarding outcomes.
Example Lesson: Kindness is Rewarding
Explanation: Characters in the book who practice kindness are shown to have positive outcomes, demonstrating the value of being good to others.
Real-World Application: This lesson serves children in understanding the importance of treating others with respect and empathy, whether it’s sharing toys or helping a friend in need.
Example Lesson: Understanding Emotions
Explanation: The book navigates through various emotions the characters feel, helping children recognize and name their feelings.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to express their emotions in a healthy way, enhancing their emotional intelligence and interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: The Power of Apology
Explanation: A character makes a mistake and learns to apologize sincerely, underscoring the significance of taking responsibility.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to own up to their actions and understand that everyone makes mistakes, but it’s important to make amends.
Example Lesson: Perseverance Leads to Success
Explanation: Through various challenges, characters keep trying and eventually succeed, teaching the merit of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be mirrored in a child's life through persisting with difficult tasks like learning to ride a bike or solving a challenging puzzle.