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Calista's Royal Lessons

Once upon a time, in a land where castles touched the sky, Calista jumped out of bed, her heart filled with butterflies. It was her first day at the royal school, where princes and princesses learned to rule.

Introduction, Calista excited for first day at royal school.

With eyes as blue as the summer sky, black hair bouncing with each step, Calista put on her princess dress and tiara, sparkling like morning dew.

Calista gets dressed in her princess attire.

She looked at herself in the mirror and smiled. Today, she would make new friends and learn grand things. Hopefully, she’d even learn how to talk to animals!

Calista's excitement for learning and making friends.

Walking through the big castle doors, Calista saw other children, each with their own dress or coat of arms. She felt a little shy but remembered that she was brave.

Calista arrives at school, feels shy.

The first lesson was on royal manners. 'Always say please and thank you,' the teacher said. Calista practiced by saying 'please' when she asked for a quill, and 'thank you' when it was given.

First lesson begins on manners.

Next, it was time for history. They learned of kings and queens from long ago, their battles and feasts, their kindness and bravery. Calista imagined their grand adventures.

History lesson about past royalty.

Lunchtime arrived, and Calista sat nervously alone. But not for long! A boy with a bright smile sat down next to her. 'Hi, I'm Leo,' he said, 'Want to share some bread?'

Lunchtime, Calista meets Leo.

In the afternoon, they practiced writing with elegant swirls and strong lines. Calista's letters danced across the parchment, telling stories without a single spoken word.

Calligraphy lesson.

The last lesson was Calista's favorite. They went out to the royal garden, where she hoped to learn the secrets of chatting with birds and squirrels.

Garden lesson, Calista's favorite.

The teacher explained the importance of being kind to all creatures and showed them how to feed the little animals gently. Calista offered seeds, and a robin hopped closer.

Learning about kindness to animals.

As the sun began to set, school was over. Calista felt a little sad to leave but thrilled for all the new lessons tomorrow would bring. She waved goodbye to the castle.

End of school day, setting sun.

That night, Calista laid in her bed, her tiara on the nightstand, and dreamed of her next day at school with her new friend and all the forests' tales waiting to be learned.

Calista's reflection on her day and anticipation.

Reflection Questions

  • How do you think Calista felt walking into the castle for the first time? Can you remember a time when you felt the same way about a new experience?
  • Why do you think Calista was comforted by meeting Leo? How does it feel to make a new friend, and how can you make someone new feel welcome?
  • Calista loved learning about speaking with animals and showed kindness to them. Why is it important to be kind to all creatures, including animals?

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