Definition:

doing what needs to be done without complaining. 

In short:

Do what needs to be done.

Summary:
Franklin is a turtle who wants a pet. He practices taking care of stuffed animals, pretending they are pets, but that’s not enough for Franklin. While his parents think about responding to his request for a real pet, Franklin does his research. He asks his friends what pet they’d choose and why. Franklin finally convinces his parents that he will be a responsible pet owner, and the family goes to the pet store. He keeps his promise and does a good job taking care of his new pet goldfish 

Lesson Objectives:

1. Students who are interested in owning a pet will understand that they need to demonstrate their ability to be responsible pet owners. 
2. This story could be linked to a science lesson about creating good habitats for living things in the home or at school.  Note for teachers: children may not want a pet, but they may want to build a worm or ant farm, or a home habitat for butterflies.

Guiding Questions: 

1. Franklin wanted to have a pet so much that he pretended he had one. Did you ever pretend you had a pet? 
2. What happened when Franklin asked his parents for a pet? 
3. What did Franklin talk about with his friends? 
4. Franklin’s parents asked him lots of questions. What did they want to know? 
5. Franklin’s parents finally decided that he could take care of a pet. What did Franklin do to convince them he could do it?  
6. Why does Franklin like goldfish? 
7. Do you think Franklin  understands what kind of care his new pet needs?
8. Do you have a pet at home and if so, do you help take care of it? 
9. If you don’t have a pet, what kind of pet would you like and why? 
10. Do you think Franklin’s parents will be happy that they gave him permission to have a pet? Why or why not?