Family water stories
Read an excerpt of the book where this is exemplified, such as the unpacking story as Beth’s family arrives at the lake and takes supplies to the island.
Each adult has a notebook and pencil. Spend some time thinking about your past, maybe distant past and lake/river/pond experiences you had with family or friends. Did you visit? Camp? Paddle or fish? Which of these are ritualized and what did they mean for you? How did your family interact with waterscapes and environments? Write a paragraph or two and share with the group.

Suggested readings

• p. 11 “Beth scanned the woods” to p. 14 “…and most games of spoons.”
• Finding joy and awe in the natural world p. 61 “Beth and Ben” to p. 63, “Pretty awesome, huh?”

Then and now and then
Place yourself in your favorite water environment, at your favorite time of year. Spend some time, eyes closed, quietly, thinking about how it feels, sounds, smells, what you are doing, what you are seeing. Write a paragraph or two to describe your surroundings as descriptively as possible. Then transport yourself back in time 100 years. Reimagine and rewrite. Transport yourself 100 years into the future. Reimagine and rewrite. Feel free to include doodles or sketches as well.
In the group of writers, share your words and insights.

Anonymous advocate
What would you say if you could?
Write a letter to an anonymized person [child, parent, friend, the people on the boat near yours last week, your mayor, etc.] explaining what you wish you could tell them about caring for water resources, watershed awareness, water habitats, or more. Anonymize your signature. Read the letters for other members of the group and discuss the most important messages and ways of getting the message to the people who need to hear them.
Display the letters with an explanation.

Family
The Best Part of Us explores reconnecting with family and includes the relationships between parents and teens, siblings and the role of grandparents in families. Think about some of your own family stories, ones that have been shared with you and that you have shared with others. Imagine describing your family to someone you just have just met. What stories would you share? Describe a family tradition that you treasure. What makes it special to you. Share your essays with your parents, siblings, grandparents or friends.

Suggested readings

• Parents and teenagers p. 32 “Beth waved at Ben” to p. 34 “Do I make myself clear?”
• Sibling relationships p. 83 “Beth stopped at her brother’s room” to p. 86 “That’s the beauty of watercolors.” Dylan said.
• Grandparents’ role in grandchildren lives p. 107 “Naina had taken…” to p. 109 … “doesn’t know anything.”