Turtle Spring
What’s inside...
The changing seasons bring surprises to Clee, including a new baby brother early in the year and a turtle whose life seems to crawl away in the winter.
Discussion points
How do you think the turtle felt when it found a new place to live in the spring?
What do you think the story shows us about change and new beginnings?
Can you think of a time when you experienced a big change? How did it make you feel?
Why is the environment important for animals like the turtle?
What can we do to help animals feel safe and secure in their homes?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to convey the emotions of the turtle during key moments in the story.
Pause after each major event in the book and ask your child how they think the characters are feeling, encouraging empathy.
Relate the turtle’s journey to personal experiences of moving or transitions that your child has gone through to make the story more relatable.
Discuss the illustrations and ask your child what they notice about the habitat of the turtle, promoting observational skills.
After reading, consider visiting a nearby pond or park to explore where turtles might live, turning the story experience into a real-world adventure.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Change
Explanation: In 'Turtle Spring,' the story revolves around the cycle of seasons and how it brings new changes, paralleled with changes in the protagonist’s life. This narrative teaches children to accept and adapt to change.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to be flexible and positive when they face changes such as moving to a new school or welcoming a new family member.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family Support
Explanation: The book portrays a family that supports each other through the changes brought by the new season, symbolized by the hatching of new turtles. This shows children how valuable family support is during significant life transitions.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to seek support from family and offer the same in times of need, fostering stronger family bonds.
Example Lesson: Nurturing Nature
Explanation: The family in 'Turtle Spring' takes care of the turtle eggs, demonstrating responsibility and nurturing towards nature.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to take part in environmental conservation activities like planting trees or taking care of animals, instilling a sense of responsibility towards nature from a young age.
Example Lesson: Patience and Anticipation
Explanation: The anticipation of the turtles hatching, paralleled with awaiting the spring, teaches children the value of patience and the rewards it can bring.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to apply patience in their daily activities, such as waiting for their turn in games or for special occasions, understanding that good things come to those who wait.
Example Lesson: Renewal and Hope
Explanation: As the story unfolds with the arrival of spring bringing new life in the form of hatchling turtles, it imparts a sense of renewal and hope.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand that tough times are temporary and that renewal follows hardship, offering a perspective of optimism and resilience.