Under the Buttonwood Tree

Families & Educators

A Story to Read,
A Conversation to Continue

Under the Buttonwood Tree gives parents, grandparents, teachers, and librarians an easy way to talk with children about kindness, saving, patience, and generosity — without making it feel complicated.

For Families — Discussion Questions

Read the story together and use it to ask questions such as:

1.

What kind choice did Leo or Emma make?

2.

Why did they save their coins instead of spending them right away?

3.

What is something you would like to save for?

4.

How can one small act of kindness help someone else?

5.

What good habit would you like to grow?

Families can continue the lesson by starting a small coin jar, choosing a family kindness project, or completing one of the downloadable activities together.

For Educators & Librarians

The book can support classroom, library, and community conversations about:

1.

Kindness and helping others

2.

Earning through effort and responsibility

3.

Saving toward a goal

4.

Patience and thoughtful decision-making

5.

Generosity and community

6.

The history behind 1792 and the Buttonwood Agreement

Resources are designed to be simple, flexible, and appropriate for young children. They can be used during story time, financial-literacy lessons, family events, or community reading programs.

Suggested Reading Experience

1

Read Under the Buttonwood Tree.

2

Find the hidden squirrel.

3

Discover the meaning of 1792.

4

Talk about one small good choice.

5

Complete a coloring page, Explorer Challenge, or Promise Certificate.

The story may begin under the Buttonwood Tree, but its lessons can continue at home, in the classroom, and throughout the community.