45–60
minutes
Forgi v eness B IG B uddy Session 2:
Read and Talk Together After the buddies pair up, the story should take about 30–45 minutes to read through and discuss. Encourage students to talk freely, but keep the class on task by letting them know when it is time to move on. Be mindful of students’ conversations, especially as they become more comfortable together and if a pair seems to have gone too far off the topic, have them tell you their answers to the most recent question, and then ask them to continue the story.
Early Finishers Some buddy pairs will complete the interactive session early. Have them use one of these ideas (or use one of your own ideas) to keep the discussion going until the session ends. • Use the forgiveness Think About It cards to review and reflect on events in the story. • Read a book together in a book corner that has topic-related books on display.
Class Discussion Leave about 10 minutes at the end of the session to bring the whole group together. Lead a discussion about what students thought of the story and their buddy experience. Ask questions such as: • Why didn't Buster tell Binky he was mad? What do you think would have happened if he told him why ? • Why did Buster stay mad? How did Buster's friends feel about him holding onto his grudge ? Why do you think that is? • What do you think you would have done differently if you were in Buster's position? Why? If time allows, do a simple activity to reinforce the learning such as: • Hold up a card with one of the characters from the story. Have volunteers describe a scene in the story and what the character was feeling at that time.
76 Big Buddy Session: Buster’s Growing Grudge
