The Map of Maybe
Theo cannot know exactly what camp will be like, so he maps what he knows, wonders, and can do.
Read together at your own pace. Pausing, rereading, or stopping is always okay.
The night before day camp, Theo asked fourteen questions. What if lunch tasted strange? What if the games were too hard? What if everyone already knew one another? Each unanswered question felt like a road disappearing into fog.
His dad unfolded a sheet of paper and drew three islands: KNOW, WONDER, and CAN DO. On KNOW, Theo wrote the camp address, his counselor’s name, and the pickup time. On WONDER, he placed every question that no one could answer yet.
CAN DO became the busiest island. Theo could pack familiar food, carry the counselor’s name, ask where to sit, and take a quiet break. He drew bridges from the foggy questions to actions he could choose.
Camp still held surprises. One game was hard, lunch was crunchy, and a boy named Amir did not know anyone either. Theo’s map had not predicted the day. It had reminded him that uncertainty and useful choices could exist on the same page.
Story workshop
Notice, talk, and play
Words to notice
- uncertainty
- not knowing exactly what will happen
- familiar
- known or recognized
- predict
- to say what you think will happen
Talk about the story
- What belonged on each island?
- Did the map make every surprise disappear?
- Which “can do” action would help you in a new place?
Try it together
Create your own Know–Wonder–Can Do map before a new event. Share it with a trusted adult who can help check the plan.
Activities are designed for shared use. An adult should choose materials and supervision appropriate to the child.
Keep reading
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