Bad Day For Jayden
What’s inside...
Mum won't get out of bed. His best friend has dumped him. And school work is just too difficult. Jayden wants to do the right thing - but how can he when it feels like the world is conspiring against him? Everything is going wrong, and when a supply teacher turns up to take his class, Jayden's sure things will keep on getting worse. But Mrs Wilson is not quite the teacher Jayden expected ... can she help turn his bad day around? A touching and sensitively told story of life as a young carer from beloved author Tony Bradman. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant or dyslexic readers aged 8+.
Discussion points
How do you think Jayden felt when he was having a bad day? Can you think of a time when you felt the same way?
What do you think about the way the teacher helped Jayden? How do you like to be helped when you’re feeling down?
Jayden’s story changed by the end of the book. Can you think of a situation where you turned a bad day into a better one, like Jayden?
How did Jayden’s friends and family play a role in changing his day? Why do you think support from others is important when we're upset?
What is one thing you would do to help a friend who is having a bad day like Jayden?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use empathetic listening when discussing Jayden's feelings, validating your child’s responses to encourage openness and emotional expression.
Guide the conversation gently towards personal connections, encouraging your child to relate their own experiences with those of Jayden.
Highlight the positive actions of characters within the story to underscore the importance of kindness and support in tough situations.
Encourage critical thinking by asking how your child might handle a similar situation differently, fostering problem-solving skills.
Reinforce the idea that everyone has bad days and that they can be overcome with help and positive actions, instilling resilience.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The story portrays Jayden’s struggles with loneliness and a challenging home environment, which helps children understand and empathize with peers who might be in similar situations.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by being more compassionate and supportive towards classmates who may be facing personal struggles.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: Jayden faces numerous challenges, yet he learns to cope and find joy in small moments. This narrative can inspire resilience in young readers.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to maintain a positive outlook and find constructive solutions during tough times, whether it's dealing with school stress or family issues.
Example Lesson: The importance of seeking help
Explanation: Throughout the book, supportive figures such as teachers play a crucial role in helping Jayden. This highlights the importance of seeking help from trusted adults.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to communicate their problems to teachers, parents, or counselors rather than keeping their struggles to themselves.
Example Lesson: Friendship as a support system
Explanation: As Jayden develops friendships, he starts to feel more secure and happy. This illustrates how important friendships are as a source of support.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to nurture their relationships and rely on friends during difficult times, understanding that true friends are there to help and support each other.