Sorry Really Sorry

Name: Sorry Really Sorry
Author: Joanna Cotler

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

★★★★★ Loved by families

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♥ This book teaches: Friendship. showing up for someone else.

Before, During & After Reading

Guiding Questions for Parents.

Definition: A friend is someone you like spending time with because they make you feel happy and special, and help you when you need it. In short: Build bonds that last forever. Summary: Cow becomes upset when her hooves get muddy. This annoys her and she takes it out on Duck who is sprayed with mud when Cow purposely kicks in her direction. Duck, irritated by Cow’s behavior insults Frog who, in turn, makes fun of Bird. “Sorry” is spoken insincerely so it doesn’t stop the animals from spreading rude behaviors and remarks. This all takes a turn in a good direction when Dog shows compassion to Pig, and Pig is moved to be kind to Bird. Eventually these kind exchanges get back to Duck and Cow. Cow apologizes sincerely this time - “I’m really, really sorry” - and they resume their friendship. Negativity spreads, but so does kindness! Lesson Objectives:

Students demonstrate awareness of what it takes to be a friend, especially regarding this point - when a friend is in a bad mood and says mean things to you, you can remind them of your friendship and ask them what’s wrong.
Students demonstrate awareness of the difference between a sincere apology and an insincere apology and are more inclined to be sincere.

Guiding Questions:

Why did Cow kick mud in Duck’s face?
When Duck was approached by Frog, Duck insulted him even though they were friends. Why was Duck so mean?
What did Frog say to Bird that was unkind?
When we say sorry and don’t really mean it, does it hurt the other person’s feelings? Why?
Goat told Pig he rammed him on purpose? Why?
What did Dog do to help Pig feel better?
How did Pig make Goat feel better?
Cow finally apologizes to Duck and they become friends again. What do you think Cow should have done in the beginning of the story that would have prevented everyone from being so upset?
When someone is mean to you, do you feel like being mean back? Is there anything you do to change your feeling so you’re not so upset?
Do good friends fight sometimes? What helps them to get back together?

🌿 Virtue Connection: Friendship means showing up for someone else, consistently.

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.

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Friendship · Family Discussion Guide

Sorry Really Sorry

by Joanna Cotler

Guiding Questions

Students demonstrate awareness of what it takes to be a friend, especially regarding this point - when a friend is in a bad mood and says mean things to you, you can remind them of your friendship and ask them what’s wrong.
Students demonstrate awareness of the difference between a sincere apology and an insincere apology and are more inclined to be sincere.

Guiding Questions:

Why did Cow kick mud in Duck’s face?
When Duck was approached by Frog, Duck insulted him even though they were friends. Why was Duck so mean?
What did Frog say to Bird that was unkind?
When we say sorry and don’t really mean it, does it hurt the other person’s feelings? Why?
Goat told Pig he rammed him on purpose? Why?
What did Dog do to help Pig feel better?
How did Pig make Goat feel better?
Cow finally apologizes to Duck and they become friends again. What do you think Cow should have done in the beginning of the story that would have prevented everyone from being so upset?
When someone is mean to you, do you feel like being mean back? Is there anything you do to change your feeling so you’re not so upset?
Do good friends fight sometimes? What helps them to get back together?

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Sorry Really Sorry

Guiding Questions for Parents.

About the Story.

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Sorry Really Sorry

Guiding Questions