Twig and Turtle 4: Make New Friends, But Keep the Old
#4 of 6 in Twig And Turtle Series
on Goodreads (23)
What’s inside...
In the fourth installment of the Twig and Turtle chapter book series, Twig faces challenges with friendship and a visit from her opinionated Grandma. Twig struggles to find her voice amidst feeling left out by her new friend Angela and Angela's former best friend, Effie, who has returned to town. With the added stress of her Grandma's visit bringing clutter and strong opinions to their tiny house, Twig must navigate her emotions and learn to speak up without hurting anyone's feelings. The book explores themes of friendship and self-expression in a relatable and engaging way for young readers.
Discussion points
What are some ways Twig and Turtle tried to make new friends? How can you apply these methods in your own life?
How did Twig and Turtle handle challenges in their friendships? What would you have done differently?
In what ways did the old friends support Twig and Turtle? How important is it to have long-term friends?
Can you think of a time when you had to balance between old friends and new ones? How did it make you feel?
What is the most important lesson Twig and Turtle learned about friendship? How will you use this lesson in your own friendships?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate their personal experiences to those of Twig and Turtle, making connections that enhance empathy and understanding. Ask open-ended questions that prompt deeper thinking about the complexities of friendships. Reinforce the value of maintaining old friendships while being open to new ones. Highlight the importance of communication and mutual support in friendships. Share personal stories of your own friendships to model reflective thinking and emotional intelligence.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of friendship
Explanation: In the story, the characters Twig and Turtle navigate challenges and adventures, learning the importance of supporting and caring for friends.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by being good friends in their own lives, offering help and empathy to their peers during playtime or in school.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of change
Explanation: As the characters encounter new situations and make new friends, they learn to adapt and accept changes gracefully.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to be open and adaptable when they face changes such as moving to a new place, starting a new school, or meeting new people.
Example Lesson: Importance of honesty
Explanation: Throughout the book, Twig and Turtle show that honesty strengthens friendships. They face situations where they must choose to be truthful.
Real-World Application: Children learn that being honest with their friends and family builds trust and strengthens relationships in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Resolving conflicts
Explanation: The story demonstrates how the characters resolve minor misunderstandings and conflicts through communication and understanding.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to use communication to solve disputes and misunderstandings with siblings, friends, or classmates rather than resorting to anger.
Example Lesson: Embracing diversity
Explanation: Twig and Turtle make friends with peers from diverse backgrounds, learning to appreciate and celebrate differences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace and celebrate cultural, racial, and individual differences in their schools and communities, promoting inclusivity and respect.