Through the Year with Timothy Bear: 24 Stories for Special Days and Seasons
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What’s inside...
24 short stories devised to help those working with 5-7s to teach biblical and moral truths through storytelling. There is a story for each special day of the year, as well as stories for the four seasons. The stories can be used in collective worship and assemblies, PSHE and circle time, as an aid to the teaching of RE or purely for enjoyment at story-time.
Age
4-8
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Timothy Bear feels during the different seasons and why?
Which story was your favorite and what special day would you like to celebrate like Timothy?
How do Timothy and his friends help each other in the stories? Can you think of a time you helped a friend?
What have you learned about the different seasons and holidays from Timothy's adventures?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate their personal experiences with the seasonal activities and celebrations mentioned in the book.
Discuss the moral lessons in each story, helping your child understand the importance of friendship, kindness, and respect.
Use the illustrations in the book to ask your child to describe what they see and create a vivid story together.
After reading a story, encourage your child to draw a picture or write a short story about their favorite part or what they might change.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of kindness
Explanation: Timothy Bear exhibits acts of kindness throughout the stories, such as sharing his belongings and helping friends in need.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by sharing their toys during playtime or assisting a friend or family member with tasks at home.
Example Lesson: The value of patience
Explanation: In several stories, Timothy learns to wait his turn and understand the benefits of being patient, especially during events like fishing or when planting seeds in a garden.
Real-World Application: Kids can practice patience by waiting their turn in games or activities at school and understanding that some things, like plant growth, take time to see results.
Example Lesson: Celebrating diversity and cultural awareness
Explanation: Through stories that touch on various festivals and cultural traditions, Timothy Bear introduces children to a world of diversity, teaching tolerance and acceptance.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to learn about and celebrate different cultural traditions and holidays in their community or school.
Example Lesson: The change of seasons and nature's cycles
Explanation: The book uses the adventures of Timothy Bear to explain the changing seasons and the natural cycle, enriching a child’s understanding of the environment.
Real-World Application: Children can observe seasonal changes in their own surroundings, such as leaves changing color or animal behaviors throughout the year, reinforcing their connection with nature.
Example Lesson: The significance of honesty
Explanation: Timothy faces situations where he learns the value of telling the truth and the consequences of dishonesty.
Real-World Application: Children can adopt honesty by being encouraged to always speak the truth with their peers and adults, thus building trust and respect in their relationships.