Definition of Cooperation for 4 - 7 year olds: Cooperation happens when two or more people help each other to make something good happen. It can also apply to animals or parts of a whole that need each other and work together.  An example of this is the human body – all the parts work together to make you healthy.

In a nutshell:

Together we can do more. 

Summary:
A group of friends has a problem to solve. One of their friends, Cussly, is rude and makes the others feel bad. One day, everyone but Cussly wins contests in a talent show. His friends feel sorry for him and  decide to invite Cussly to join them in a dance competition. They win because of their excellent teamwork and Cussly learns a couple of  important  lessons: (a) don’t make others feel bad, and (b) teamwork wins. 

Lesson Objectives:
This story has a few lessons. Teachers can reinforce these lessons throughout the school year: 

1. Sometimes  individuals compete, and sometimes teams compete. Both are important. 
2. No one likes being put down. 
3. Be forgiving, even when someone hurts your feelings, and try to give someone who hurts you a second chance. 
4. Learning how to be a part of a team is fun and rewarding.  

Guiding Questions: 

1. What does Cussly say to  Choo Choo when she sings? 
2. How did Cussly’s friends feel when he was rude? 
3. Do you think Cussly was surprised when all his friends won prizes in the talent contest? 
4. What did Cussly’s friends do to make him feel better after the talent show? 
5. Why do you think the friends won the dance competition? 
6. How did Cussly change after his friends were so nice to him? 
7. Did you ever make someone feel bad? What happened? 
8. Has anyone ever put you down?  How did that make you feel? 
9. Do you think it was a good thing that Cussly’s friends forgave him and invited him to join the dance team? Why or why not? 
10. Do you think it’s hard to forgive someone who hurts your feelings? Why or why not?