The Sorry Plane
What’s inside...
The Sorry Plane is a children's book by the bestselling author of Rest Play Grow, which introduces kids and caregivers to the importance of understanding and respecting feelings. The story follows Molly who accidentally breaks a balloon and has no 'sorries' to give to her sister Lucy. Through imaginative scenarios, the book explains that apologies must come from the heart and highlights the significance of connecting with authentic emotions. Illustrated by Zoe Si, the book also bears the Neufeld Institute Recommended seal, indicating its alignment with developmental science and Dr. Gordon Neufeld's relational-developmental approach.
Age
2-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Marcus felt when he broke his sister's doll?
Why is it important to say sorry when we make mistakes?
What are some things you can do to make things right when you hurt someone's feelings?
Can you think of a time when you felt better after apologizing?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing a personal story about a time you made a mistake and had to apologize. This creates a safe space for your child to open up.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story and relate them to their own experiences. This helps them connect personally with the book's themes.
Reinforce the idea that everyone makes mistakes and that saying sorry is a brave and kind thing to do.
Praise your child for their thoughts and responses, which boosts their confidence in expressing themselves.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and expressing emotions
Explanation: In 'The Sorry Plane,' children are introduced to the concept of apologies through an imaginative tale. The book delves into why saying sorry matters and how it relates to understanding one’s feelings.
Real-World Application: Children can use this lesson in everyday life by recognizing their emotions and learning the importance of expressing regret to mend situations and strengthen relationships.
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: The story encourages children to consider the feelings of others when mistakes are made, promoting empathy by showing how saying sorry can affect others positively.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to be mindful of their actions and their impact on others, fostering a more empathetic and considerate approach in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Responsibility for actions
Explanation: The narrative teaches children about taking responsibility for their actions, as the character in the book learns to acknowledge mistakes and make amends.
Real-World Application: Children learn to accept responsibility for what they do and understand how their actions can lead to different outcomes, encouraging them to make positive choices.
Example Lesson: Resolution of conflicts
Explanation: The book offers insights into conflict resolution by showing that apologies can help resolve misunderstandings and restore harmony.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children develop skills in conflict resolution, allowing them to navigate disagreements and restore peace effectively in real life situations.