what is the significance of the chilrens discussion of the turtle adn the roly poly? how does jem change from one discussion to the next? why?

The roly-poly is significant because it symbolizes Boo's isolation. When threatened, Boo would retreat into the isolation of his home in order to stay safe. After awhile, he never felt safe....... so he never came out. The roly-poly, like the mockingbird was innocent, and yet Scout stomped on it anyway, mindless of the fact it was a life.

Jem takes on the more mature role here, and approaches his sister in the same way Atticus would have..... gentle reason.

In the earlier episode with the turtle, Jem coaxes the turtle out if its shell with a match. This is very similar to the way in which the children consistently attempt to devise schemes to get Boo to come out of the house. Jem's actions show that he isn't yet aware of feelings...... something he understands by the time the roly-poly incident occurs.