All of my children are introverts. They are more comfortable out of the spotlight. They get their energy by retreating to a quiet place to read or build Lego models. They try not to call attention to themselves. But one thing that will get them to emerge from their shells is a friend in need. They are quick to come to another’s defense when that person is belittled or teased.
Ann Kim Ha explores this dynamic in Walter Finds His Voice, a picturebook for children 3+. Her shy crocodile struggles to express himself or even to make himself visible around other creatures. Then some herons try to mess with his friend Turtle, and Walter decides he needs to speak up.
Read the book together and use one or more of the following activities to explore shyness and what happens when keeping quiet no longer seems like a good option, even for someone who is shy.
Hiding. Walter is different from other crocodiles. He doesn’t hide because he wants to catch prey. He hides because he is anxious and uncomfortable around others. Invite children to close their eyes and recall a time they were uncomfortable and/or anxious. Ask: How did you know that you were uncomfortable [anxious]? In what ways did you feel discomfort [anxiety] in your body? What did you want to do to help yourself feel more comfortable [less anxious]?
Surprise! Walter’s friends thought a surprise party was a good idea, but Walter was thrilled when they startled him. Invite children to make a list of reasons that some people might think surprises are fun and a second list of reasons some people might think surprises are not fun. Compare the lists to see if there are any reasons that appear on both. Ask: Why do you think people feel differently about things like surprises? How could you show respect to people with different views?
The challenge. When the heron twins want to use Turtle as a soccer ball, Walter feels a lot of different sensations. Encourage children to take turns reenact Walter’s responses, starting with his trembling and ending with his loud shout. Ask: How did your feelings change as you acted like Walter? What else would you say or do in Walter’s situation?
Changing. Defending Turtle affects how Walter sees himself. He begins to participate in some activities with others, even though he still feels anxious sometimes. Invite children to draw a picture of Walter before he spoke up to help Turtle and then a second picture of Walter afterward. Ask: What is different about Walter after he speaks up? What remains the same?
Voice. The author says that Walter found his voice when he spoke up for Turtle. Ask children: What do you think it means to speak up and find your voice? Encourage them to name some things that they want to speak up about. Then brainstorm (or research) some ways that they can speak up to make a difference on those issues and pick one or more ideas to do together.
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