Taking Turns — Teaching Resources

Discussion Prompts

For Younger Readers (Ages 4-7)

1. Why do you think Moon wanted more attention than Sun?
2. How did Sun feel when Moon wouldn't take turns?
3. What happened to Earth when Sun and Moon didn't share the sky?
4. What are some ways you take turns with your friends?
5. How do you feel when someone doesn't want to share with you?

For Older Readers (Ages 8-10)

1. What does "balance" mean in the story, and why is it important for our planet?
2. How do Sun and Moon's actions affect Earth and all living things?
3. What real-life situations can you think of where taking turns is important?
4. How might the story be different if Sun and Moon never learned to cooperate?
5. What scientific facts about the Sun and Moon did you learn from this story?

Classroom Activities

Science Connections

• Day and Night Cycle: Use a globe and flashlight to demonstrate how Earth's rotation creates day and night
• Moon Phases Activity: Track the moon's phases for a month using observation charts
• Solar System Mobile: Create a model showing the relationship between Earth, Sun, and Moon

Social-Emotional Learning

• Turn-Taking Practice: Role-play scenarios where children practice sharing and cooperation
• Friendship Problem-Solving: Discuss real classroom situations where compromise is needed
• Kindness Journal: Have students write about times they shared or took turns with others

Creative Extensions

• Write Your Own: Students create stories about other natural elements learning to cooperate (wind and rain, mountains and valleys, etc.)
• Comic Strip: Draw a 4-panel comic showing Sun and Moon solving their problem
• Science Poetry: Write poems about the sun, moon, or taking turns in nature

Curriculum Connections

Common Core English Language Arts

• Reading: Character analysis, cause and effect, compare and contrast
• Speaking & Listening: Participate in collaborative discussions, retell stories
• Writing: Opinion pieces about friendship, narrative writing inspired by the story

Science Standards

• Earth Science: Day/night cycles, seasonal patterns, objects in the sky
• Physical Science: Light and shadows, patterns in nature

Social Studies

• Community: Understanding cooperation and compromise
• Geography: How day and night affect different parts of the world

Downloads & Resources

• Lesson Plan: Sun, Moon & Taking Turns (PDF)
• Activity Sheets: Day & Night Science (PDF)
• Discussion Cards: Friendship & Sharing (PDF)
• Moon Phase Tracking Chart (PDF)

For Parents & Caregivers

Reading Tips

• Pause to discuss the emotions Sun and Moon are feeling
• Point out the moon during daytime or sunset to connect story to real observations
• Ask your child to share examples of when they've had to take turns

Extended Learning

• Stargazing: Look for the moon together and talk about what you see
• Nature Walks: Notice how day and night affect plants and animals
• Family Sharing: Create family rules about taking turns with toys, games, or special activities

Questions for Home Discussion

• "What would happen if it was always day or always night?"
• "How do you and your siblings/friends work out disagreements?"
• "What are some things in nature that work together?"