Valentine's Day (Benchmark Rebus: Holiday Fun)
Rookie read-about holidays Series
on Goodreads (53)
What’s inside...
Valentine's Day (Benchmark Rebus: Holiday Fun) is a festive and educational children's book by Trudi Strain Trueit that combines the joy of Valentine's Day with the challenge of rebus puzzles. Aimed at young readers, the book likely explores the history and traditions of Valentine's Day through engaging pictures and rebus puzzles, which use pictures to represent words or parts of words. It's a fun way for children to learn about the holiday while improving their problem-solving skills and literacy. The lively holiday books in the Rookie Read-About-Holidays series include informational text, fun facts, a holiday craft, engaging photographs and a glossary with pictures to introduce young readers to the traditions and festivities of favorite holidays. Simultaneous.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-8
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What are some ways the characters in the book show love and kindness to each other?
Can you think of a time someone showed you kindness like in the book? How did it make you feel?
Why do you think celebrating Valentine's Day is important in the story?
How can we show our friends and family love like the characters do?
What was your favorite part of the Valentine’s Day celebration in the book and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences by sharing personal stories of kindness and love.
Ask your child to think about how they can show love to others, turning the book's themes into actionable ideas.
Discuss the different emotions characters might be feeling in various parts of the book to help your child learn to empathize with others.
Celebrate the theme of the book by planning a small Valentine’s Day activity or craft together, inspired by the story.
Help your child understand the significance of Valentine’s Day beyond just giving gifts, focusing on the feelings and relationships it strengthens.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of sharing and giving
Explanation: In 'Valentine's Day', the act of creating and exchanging valentine cards showcases the joy of sharing happiness with others.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to express their affection and friendship by sharing their toys or making gifts, fostering a sense of generosity.
Example Lesson: Understanding and expressing emotions
Explanation: The book illustrates various emotions children experience during Valentine’s Day, from excitement to appreciation, helping readers identify and articulate their feelings.
Real-World Application: This lesson assists children in recognizing their own emotions and those of others in daily interactions, promoting emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: The value of inclusivity
Explanation: The narrative encourages including everyone in the celebration, emphasizing that Valentine’s Day is about appreciating all friends and not just a few.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by ensuring no one feels left out during group activities at school or play, nurturing an inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Creativity through crafting
Explanation: The story involves children making their own valentine cards, highlighting the importance of creativity and personal expression through art.
Real-World Application: This promotes engagement in arts and crafts, which can help improve fine motor skills and foster a creative mindset in solving problems or expressing thoughts.
Example Lesson: Building friendships
Explanation: By exchanging cards and kind words, the book shows how little acts of kindness can strengthen friendships.
Real-World Application: Children learn that being kind and thoughtful is fundamental in building and maintaining friendships, which are crucial for social development.