What Kids Learn:
- Be prepared for tests and quizzes
- Take responsibility for your decisions
- Good sports don’t whine
You don’t have to badger kids day in, day out to teach them the basics of kind and responsible behavior. Simply hand them a copy of Goofus and Gallant and watch the lessons sink in.
This month, Goofus ignores the need to study, and loses a race to a pal. Gallant vows to be diligent about his studies, and shares kind words with a friend who wins a race.
Check out our Goofus and Gallant feature on page 10 of the December 2017 issue or read the recaps below. Then use the prompts to jumpstart a conversation with your child.
Recap 1: Goofus isn’t prepared for a quiz and wants to stay home from school. Gallant plans to study harder for his next test.
Conversation Starters:
- What subjects do you have to study hardest for?
- What subjects are easiest for you?
- Name two things you might do to prepare for a quiz in a challenging subject.
- Name three activities that might keep you from properly preparing for a test.
- Why does the mom in the picture look unhappy?
- Should kids be allowed to stay home to get out of taking a quiz or handing in homework? Why or why not?
Recap 2: Goofus is annoyed he lost a big event on field day. Gallant congratulates a friend on his win and says that trying to catch up pushed him to run his best time too.
Conversation Starters:
1. Name three words that best describe Goofus’s post-race behavior.
2. Is Goofus a good sport: yes or no?
3. How about Gallant? How can you tell?
4. Was Goofus right or wrong for expecting his friend to slow down for him?
5. In a race at school, would you slow down for a friend if you were farther ahead? Why or why not?
6. Check the last picture closely. How can you tell that Gallant’s friend is a good sport, too?
