I Just Don't Like the Sound NO!

Name: I Just Don't Like the Sound NO!
Author: Julia Cook

A story that explores patience and opens a conversation with your child.

★★★★★ Loved by families

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♥ This book teaches: Patience. staying calm while something unfolds.

Before, During & After Reading

Guiding Questions for Parents.

Definition: Patience means having self-control, waiting and enduring when one would rather not. In short: Stay calm while you wait. Summary: RJ struggles to get his parents’ permission to do things he wants to do. He tries to convince his parents to change “no” to “maybe” or “we'll see” or “I’ll think about it.” He uses the same approach at school, telling his teacher what he told his parents: “I don’t like the word ‘no.’” This doesn’t work. Finally he is invited to join a school club, the “say Yes to No club.” RJ decides to try it out. Instead of attempting to get his way when requesting something, he manages to accept “no.” This new behavior leads to success and he gets a prize that means a lot to him! Lesson Objectives:

The teacher sets up a class “Yes to No” club and students earn stars and prizes for successful behaviors.

Guiding Questions:

What did RJ want at the store? What did his dad say?
What did his mom say when he wanted to sleep over at his friend’s house on a school day? What did RJ say to try to convince her? Did it work?
What does “no means no”mean?
What did RJ request from his teacher? How did she respond to his request?
What are the two things a student has to do to become a member of the “Say yes to no club?”
Did RJ have to say “yes to no” at home, too?
Why was RJ thrilled to get the prize at the end of the story?
What did RJ say when his mom told him he couldn’t have ice cream? Do you think he did the right thing?
When someone tells you “no” to something you really want, how do you feel, and what do you do about it?
The next time someone tells you “no” to a request, try saying “okay”, then if possible, ask them later (politely) why?

🌿 Virtue Connection: Patience means waiting without losing yourself.

About the Story.

This guide is part of the Values & Virtues library, a free collection of 400+ book guides and activities organized around 12 core virtues for children from pre-K to 6th grade. Each guide includes Guiding Questions designed to open a real conversation with your child in 10 minutes or less.