Because planning a program doesn't just take 5 minutes

Invisible Inkling

Program Plan:

Go over the discussion questions.  Then create and name ice cream flavors.  To keep it somewhat reasonable, have the kids fill out the Invisible Inkling ice cream flavors sheet first, and then have the parents bring the ingredients back to the table for mixing.  Rate each flavor, and then share our favorites (either verbally, or make up the favorite flavor for others to try.)

What happened:

Three families attended.  Everyone who had finished the book enjoyed it.  We had a good discussion, and everyone loved the activity.  Super fun!

Next month – The Terrible Two, by Mac Barnett and Jory John.

Possible questions for discussion:

  1. If you were bullied or saw other kids being bullied, what would you do? Who could you go to for advice?
  2. Do you think the adults in the story handled the bullying the right way?  What did you want them to do differently?
  3. Do you think Inkling is real or imaginary? Why?
  4. Hank keeps Inkling a secret from his family. Do you think that’s right?  What kinds of secrets should you keep, and what kind should you tell?
  5. Why do you think Inkling wanted to keep his looks secret?  Was it right of Hank to trick him into showing himself?  What would you have done?
  6. Hank said something really mean to Gillicut in the park.  Think of a time you’ve said something you regret.  Did you try to forget it, or to make it right?  Do you think Hank handled it well afterwards?  What should he have done?
  7. Mr. Wolowitz describes himself as a pacifist. What is a pacifist? Do you consider yourself a pacifist? Can you think of a situation in which fighting is ever necessary or justified?

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