The students discuss the boy's reaction after the death of the old man. The students write a paragraph about the purpose of the tin soldier in the story. Read the story aloud. Students discuss reasons for the son ignoring his father while he's with his friends and how he treats him in private. Students discuss the author's purpose for putting the parrot in the story.
Students discuss loneliness of older people.
Students write a paragraph of the importance of the father in Harry's life.