What is willpower? Is it important to have willpower? Is willpower ever a bad thing? Are there situations where having willpower would be problematic? Frog says willpower is about “trying hard not to do something that you really want to do.” Do you ever need willpower to stop doing something you do not want to … Frog and Toad Together, “Cookies”
Is there a difference between being alone and being lonely? What is helpful about spending time alone? What is challenging about spending time alone? Like Toad, do we often assume that people are upset when they want to be alone? Why? Is it possible to be alone together? The turtle is very honest with Toad … Frog and Toad Together – “Alone”
Why do the children make fun of Morris? Is this right? Why do Morris’ classmates think dresses are for girls? Can anything be just for boys? Can anything be just for girls? How does Morris’ dream help him be more confident? How can creativity influence change? Can imagination solve problems? Is it okay to be … Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress
What is nature? Are we a part of nature or are we outside of it? What is our relationship to the rest of the natural world? Are we connected or disconnected? If we are connected, or a part of the natural world, what implications does this have on the way we treat it? Do we … You Are Stardust
What makes someone poor? Why is the little girl so poor? Is it the girl’s responsibility to provide money for her family? Whose responsibility is it? Did the little girl choose to dream about the large iron stove? Do we choose what we dream about? Is she dreaming of the stove and dinner or is … Little Match Girl
Why are the other animals refusing to do any work? Should the other animals be helping the hen with house work? Does everyone in a household need to contribute the same amount to getting work done? Should the hen do all the work the others refuse to do, or should she also refuse? Is it … Little Red Hen
Either read the poem to the class or project it in the room and have the students take turns reading stanzas. Have the students work independently to write down their own “If I Were in Charge of the World” lists. Encourage them to make that list in whatever mode most resonates with them (e.g., poem, … If I Were in Charge of the World
Why were all the trees in Wangari’s village cut down? Why do we cut down trees? Is it ever okay to cut down a tree? Who is responsible for taking care of the land? Who decides how the land is used? Why does Wangari leave her village to study in the U.S.? Why can’t she study in … Wangari’s Trees of Peace: A True Story From Africa
How is one destined to be glum or happy? Is there destiny? Why do people feel so uncomfortable around an unhappy person? Is it wrong to be gloomy? Does one have the right to be unhappy? How does the kiss help Pout-Pout Fish to become cheerful? Is it okay to kiss someone you don’t know? … Pout-Pout Fish
What is trust? In the book, Thelma tricks Frances. Should Frances trust Thelma? When should people be trusted? How do you decide who to trust? Why do you trust certain people and not others? Do you trust any of the following? Doctors Teachers Firefighters Police officers Strangers People at your parent’s work People your own … Bargain for Frances