Know someone starting school this year? Or starting a new school?
Jessica’s box by Peter Carnavas might be one to share with them before they start on their way.
This story was written in 2008, has won many awards and has had many teacher notes and activities written about it, so I won’t add to it all but I really just wanted to highlight how great this story is for young children.
This book shows the young reader how important it is to be true to ourselves and that true friends will see who we really are and will love us for who we are – not what we have.
We can teach our youngsters about popularity and how it is fleeting (despite the messages the media throw at us). Peter Carnavas shows children through this store the importance of knowing who we are and how by knowing, we will find those who will support us through good and bad times.
We have loved reading Jessica’s box and it is one we will continue to visit in times to celebrate friendship or times when we need to re assess the difficult journey friendship can take.
So what else can you do with this book?
– Play a major role in your child’s education so you are aware of how they are feeling. Talk to them about school, read with them after school and be involved when you can.
– Talk about things you are good at and ask your child what they think they are good at. Tell each other what you are both good at. Do this as often as you can.
– For older readers – find times in the media when people have become popular because of one thing but then faded because that thing was gone or no longer popular?
– How is social media like Jessica’s box? How can we become popular on Facebook or instagram? Does this popularity really count?
How will you play a role in order to help your child thrive?
