Maddi’s Fridge

Author:

Lois Brandt

Summary:

This is a beautiful, layered story that shows how two good friends can inspire perseverance in each other, but there is also so much more to this story. Best friends Sofia and Maddi live in the same neighborhood, go to the same school, and play in the same park, but while Sofia’s fridge at home is full of nutritious food, the fridge at Maddi’s house is empty. Sofia learns that Maddi’s family doesn’t have enough money to fill their fridge and promises Maddi she’ll keep this discovery a secret. But because Sofia wants to help her friend, she’s faced with a difficult decision: to keep her promise or tell her parents about Maddi’s empty fridge. There are so many lessons of friendship, empathy, perseverance, and honesty in this story.

Character Education Focus:

Perseverance is important among friends.

Reading Objective:

LEARNERS WILL:

Identify examples of perseverance in the story.
Identify examples in their own lives in which friends have helped them to persevere.
Create a thank you note to a friend who helped with perseverance: “We don’t thank the special people in our lives enough. With a special friend in mind who helped you to persevere through something, write them a thank you note .” Download a thank you note template here.

Extensions:

Social Emotion Learning Objective

Reread story, identifying examples of other core values, such as empathy, kindness, respect, responsibility, and citizenship.
Identify the qualities that make for a great friendship.

ASCA: Grade 4, PS:A1.2 Identify values, attitudes, and beliefs.

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