Discussion period after story reading, using the 10
developmentally appropriate questions in the back of the book to encourage children to talk about the grieving process and, in effect, promote a dialogue about their own feelings regarding
loss.
Sample questions:
- Throughout the story, Skittles refers to the “Yearning Tree.” Why do you think she calls the tree by that name? What do you yearn or wish for?
- What does Wise Cat mean when he says Maggie is not sad for Sammy [her deceased friend], she is sad for herself? When have you been sad for yourself and missing a loved one?
- The story passes through the seasons and back to summer again. Was the passing of time helpful to Maggie? How can the passing of time heal our hurt feelings?
*Presentations may
run longer or shorter than 2 hours, depending on level of audience participation in discussions.