Elementary Library

When a child has a "bad speech day" at school, his father gives him a new perspective on his stuttering. Discussion Prompts: ●​ Opening pages (double spread) : What are some sounds you hear when you first wake up? What are some of the things you say when you first wake up? ●​ The P in the pine tree… : A stutter (sometimes called stammer) is a speech disorder that involves the fluency or flow of speech. How do you think the character feels about his stutter? ●​ I feel a storm in my belly…: The boy is overcome with emotions. How do you think he is feeling? Have you ever felt a storm in your belly? What do you think the boy needs to feel better? ●​ Disabilities can be visible or invisible. Having a disability just means you may do things in a different way from other people. Sometimes, people without a disability can feel like they want to “fix” someone’s disability. Instead, it’s important to be patient, listen, and learn how to be supportive. ●​ What can we do if we hear a classmate laughing at another student for the way they speak? ●​ How do you find ways to accept or understand the ways that you are different? ●​ In what ways can we support other students who have a learning or physical disability without taking over for them? ●​ Why is the river meaningful to the boy and his father? Describe a place that makes you feel strong or safe. Why is it so meaningful to you? ●​ Write a phrase that you can say over and over to yourself when you are angry/sad/scared. ●​ Who are some trusted adults you can go to when you are having a tough time? Explain why they are your “go-to” grown-ups. ●​ What is your favorite place to be in nature? How does it make you feel? ●​ How would you advise a friend who feels “stuck”? How can changing perspective help? Fauja Singh Keeps Going: The True Story of the Oldest Person to Ever Run a Marathon by Simran Jeet Singh (305.23 SIN) The inspiring true story of Fauja Singh, who broke world records to become the first one hundred-year-old to run a marathon, shares valuable lessons on the source of his grit, determination to overcome obstacles, and commitment to positive representation of the Sikh community. Discussion Prompts: ●​ What differences do you notice in the illustrations between Punjab and England? (e.g., food, dress, climate) ●​ What does immigrant mean? What are some reasons that people immigrate? ●​ What challenges did Fauja Singh face after moving to a new country? How did these challenges make Fauja Singh feel? ●​ How did Fauja Singh deal with these challenges? ●​ What were the values that Fauja Singh drew upon in the story to achieve his goals? What are your values?

116