What Is Up When You Are Down? (Rookie Readers)
#5 of 5 in Rookie Reader Series
What’s inside...
An illustrated series of questions and answers about up and down, in and out, cool and hot.
Discussion points
What do you think the characters felt when they were down, and how did they change when they were up?
Can you describe a time when you felt similar to the characters in the book?
What are some things that we can do together when we feel down to cheer up?
Why do you think it's important to talk about our feelings, just like the characters did?
How did the characters help each other, and how can we help our friends in the same way?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to convey the emotions of the characters, helping your child understand the mood shifts.
Pause at key moments to ask your child how they think a character is feeling, encouraging them to empathize and express their thoughts.
Relate the story to personal experiences, sharing stories of when you felt down and what helped you feel better.
Highlight the support characters offer each other in the book, and discuss the importance of supporting friends and family in real life.
After reading, engage in an activity that mirrors the book’s themes, like drawing what makes them happy, to reinforce the positive messages.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding emotions
Explanation: The book explores various emotions a child feels through relatable scenarios, helping them recognize and name their feelings.
Real-World Application: Children can use this understanding to better communicate their emotions with parents and peers, leading to healthier emotional expression.
Example Lesson: Empathy development
Explanation: By seeing characters experience and manage different emotions, children learn to empathize with others' feelings.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to be more considerate and understanding in their interactions, fostering better relationships.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The book often presents characters in situations where they must figure out how to deal with their emotions, providing a model for problem solving.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these problem-solving techniques when they encounter challenges or conflicts in school or at home.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: Characters adjust their reactions and behaviors in response to different emotional challenges, illustrating adaptability.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children learn to adapt to changing circumstances and manage their responses effectively.