Dolly's Doodle Dreams: An Interactive Tale of Perseverance and Mindset
#2 of 4 in Choose to Lead: Adventures in Kindness, Courage, and Confidence. Series
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What’s inside...
Join Dolly, a spirited doodle dog, in 'Dolly's Doodle An Interactive Tale of Perseverance and Growth Mindset,' a playful verse narrative for children aged 4-9. This interactive tale allows children to make decisions that shape Dolly’s journey, emphasizing perseverance and a growth mindset. As Dolly learns to walk on a leash without distractions, the story provides significant discussion opportunities about perseverance, determination, and a positive outlook. It's a delightful read that serves as a valuable social-emotional learning tool for young readers, parents, teachers, and counselors. The book also includes features such as choice-driven scenarios where your decision impacts Dolly's success in overcoming obstacles. Winner of the Golden Wizard Book Award 2023, this tale not only entertains but educates, making it a must-have for encouraging resilience and positive thinking in children.
Discussion points
What do you think made Dolly keep trying even when her doodles didn’t turn out as she expected?
How did Dolly's feelings change throughout the book, and what caused those changes?
Can you think of a time when you had to keep trying like Dolly did? What happened?
Why do you think it's important to keep trying, even if something is difficult?
How do you think Dolly felt at the end of the story? Why do you think she felt that way?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions that prompt deeper thinking and personal connection to the story.
Highlight Dolly’s emotions and decisions at various points in the story to help your child understand her perseverance.
Relate Dolly’s experiences to real-life situations your child may face to help them apply the lessons learned.
Encourage your child to talk about their own dreams and the steps they can take to achieve them, just like Dolly does with her doodles.
Praise your child’s insights and encourage them to think critically about how perseverance and mindset can lead to success.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance is key to success
Explanation: Dolly, the main character, faces several challenges in her doodling adventures but continues to try despite setbacks. This persistence is shown to eventually lead to improvement and achievement.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to keep trying in their personal tasks, be it learning a new skill or improving in their studies, even when it seems tough.
Example Lesson: Creativity is a valuable skill
Explanation: The story celebrates creative expression through Dolly’s unique doodles, highlighting that creativity is not just fun but a skill that can be harnessed in various ways.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to explore and value their own creative ideas, whether in art projects at school or in solving everyday problems.
Example Lesson: Positive mindset can drive positive outcomes
Explanation: Dolly's optimism and positive attitude towards challenges are pivotal in her journey, demonstrating how a positive mindset can influence outcomes positively.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to adopt a positive outlook when facing their own challenges, boosting their resilience and ability to cope with difficulties.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes is part of growth
Explanation: Each time Dolly’s doodles don’t turn out as planned, she learns something new and uses that knowledge to improve, illustrating that mistakes are stepping stones to success.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to not fear mistakes but see them as opportunities to learn and grow, both academically and personally.
Example Lesson: Collaboration enhances creativity
Explanation: Throughout the book, Dolly collaborates with friends who provide feedback and ideas, showcasing how teamwork can lead to better and more creative solutions.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to work together with peers in school projects or other team activities, learning to value and incorporate different perspectives and ideas.