Teachers
Bring Your Class to Acorn Grove
Welcome the SquirrelBus crew into your classroom for gentle conversations about feelings, friendship, curiosity, creativity, laughter, and belonging. These simple discussion starters can help students connect the characters' experiences to their own.
Discussion guide
Five Conversations for Your Classroom
Noticing Feelings
Hazel often notices when someone needs a friend. Ask: What clues can help us understand how another person may be feeling?
Thinking Ahead
Oliver likes to look closely, ask questions, and be prepared. Ask: What helps you feel ready when something new is about to begin?
Laughing Together
Pip brings energy and a kind sense of humor to every ride. Ask: How can laughter help everyone feel welcome without making fun of someone else?
Making Something New
Nutmeg sees creative possibilities everywhere. Ask: What would you imagine, invent, or add to the SquirrelBus?
Grown-Ups Who Guide the Way
Mr. Whiskers, Ms. Maple, and Principal Acorn listen calmly and help children feel supported. Ask: What does a trusted grown-up do that helps you feel safe and understood?
Explore Acorn Grove
Create Your Own Map of Acorn Grove
Invite students to imagine the roads, school grounds, gathering places, and natural spaces surrounding the SquirrelBus. They can draw a map, describe a favorite stop, or create a new place they would enjoy visiting with the crew.
Meet the crew
Discover What Makes Each Friend Special
Choose a member of the SquirrelBus crew and talk about how that character listens, solves a problem, encourages a friend, shares an idea, or brings joy to the ride.
Meet the CharactersMore Classroom Resources Are Coming Aboard
Printable activities, conversation guides, and classroom ideas will be added as they are ready. Come back and see what has joined the ride.
What Would Help Your Classroom?
Teachers know their students best. Share the kinds of activities, formats, and conversation tools that would be most useful in your classroom.
Share a Classroom Idea