Joshua's Song
What’s inside...
Joshua was usually a happy and positive fellow who enjoyed whistling and dancing around his forest-trail friends. One day, his demeanor changed unexpectedly and he was unsure of the cause. He realized he needed to take action to address whatever was affecting him.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
28 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What feelings did you experience while reading about Joshua’s journey?
How do you think Joshua felt when he faced challenges? What would you have done in his place?
What are some ways Joshua showed kindness and bravery?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone like Joshua did?
What did you learn from Joshua’s story that you can use in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use pauses after each question to give your child time to think and express their feelings.
Show genuine interest in their responses to encourage deeper thinking and connection.
Relate the story to your child’s personal experiences to make the theme more relevant and impactful.
Praise your child for their thoughts and insights, reinforcing their confidence in expressing ideas.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in facing challenges
Explanation: Joshua's journey details how he overcomes various obstacles with determination and courage.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by tackling their own challenges, such as learning a new skill or dealing with changes, with perseverance and a positive attitude.
Example Lesson: The importance of family support
Explanation: Throughout the story, Joshua's family provides him with encouragement and backup, highlighting the value of a supportive family network.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to appreciate and seek support from their family members during difficult times, fostering a strong family bond.
Example Lesson: Empathy and kindness
Explanation: Joshua exhibits empathy by understanding and helping others in the story, teaching children the importance of being considerate and compassionate.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to be mindful of their peers' feelings and to act kindly towards others in their community.
Example Lesson: The power of imagination
Explanation: Joshua uses his imagination to solve problems and find joy, underscoring the significance of creativity in personal development.
Real-World Application: This lesson urges children to use their imagination to enhance their problem-solving skills and to embrace creative thinking in everyday activities.