What kids learn:

Managing frustration

Conflict resolution

Patience

Each month, our talented storyteller, Arizona, responds to a reader’s letter with a personal story about how she conquered a challenge. This month, it's about teamwork. Find the recap below or check out the feature on pages 40-41 of the April 2017 issue. Then, use the reading comprehension questions and conversation starters that follow to help your child absorb some valuable lessons.

Recap: Overworked in Ohio doesn’t like group projects because he always contributes more than everyone else does.

Arizona tells Overworked that she, too, once got totally stressed out working with three unmotivated students who were more interested in their weekend plans than getting a jump on a classroom project. Worried that her grade would suffer, Arizona sought support elsewhere and eventually had a friendly conversation with her classmates about the importance of teamwork, confronting difficulties, and finding solutions together.

Conversation Starters:

• Is it more satisfying for you to work alone on an assignment or work with others?
• What are the benefits of working alone?
• Are there any advantages to group work? What kinds of conflicts make group work stressful?
• What would you do if you learned that one person on your team did no work and there was almost no time left to finish the project?
• Why might it be a good idea for you to talk to a parent or teacher if you find yourself doing most of the work?

Reading Comprehension Boosters:

• Arizona, Cookie, Cupcake, and Volcano were each assigned a specific topic. What was each student in charge of?
• What were their excuses for not having done their assignments?
• Arizona described Volcano’s comments as “helpful.” Do you think she meant that?
• What advice did Arizona’s mother offer?