Benny the Brave in The First Day Jitters (Team Supercrew Series): A children’s book about big emotions, bravery, and first day of school jitters.
#1 of 5 in Team Supercrew Series
What’s inside...
Team Supercrew’s Benny the Brave is here to remind kids that they have the power to be BRAVE inside of them whenever they need it! Sarah is having a tough morning as she is about to start a new school on a distant planet, without any friends, and with the fear of having a swamp creature as a teacher and slimy, alive lunch. However, Benny the Brave arrives just in time to help Sarah overcome her fears by changing her negative thoughts using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Through CBT, which focuses on the interconnection of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, children like Sarah learn to regulate their emotions positively. The Team Supercrew Book Series, featuring heroes like Benny the Brave, Keisha the Kind, Chloe the Calm, and Gen the Grit, brings these tools to children and families in a fun, engaging manner, empowering them to discover their own superpowers - to be brave, be kind, be calm, and have grit.
Discussion points
How did Benny feel on his first day of school and have you ever felt the same way?
What do you think makes Benny brave?
Can you think of a time when you were nervous about something new? What helped you feel better?
What would you do if you were in Benny's shoes on his first school day?
How do you think being brave helps Benny and his friends at school?
Tip: Role play these questions
Express genuine interest in your child’s responses to encourage open dialogue. Show that their feelings and thoughts are important.
Relate personal stories of overcoming first-day jitters in school to help your child connect the themes of the book to real life.
Use expressive reading to demonstrate the emotions Benny is experiencing. This can help your child understand and empathize with Benny.
Praise their bravery and relate it back to Benny’s story, highlighting that feeling nervous is okay and overcoming those feelings is commendable.
Encourage them to discuss what bravery looks like in their daily life, and how they can support friends who might be feeling nervous too.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Managing emotions
Explanation: Benny the Brave portrays handling first day jitters and big emotions in a relatable way, teaching children that it is okay to feel nervous.
Real-World Application: Children can use techniques shown in the book such as deep breathing and positive self-talk to manage their own anxieties during new experiences like the first day at school.
Example Lesson: Bravery
Explanation: Benny shows courage by facing his fear of the first day at school, teaching children that bravery isn't about not feeling scared, but about facing fears head-on.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to embrace challenges, whether it be trying out for a sports team or speaking in front of the class, using Benny as a role model for bravery.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Through interactions with his peers, Benny learns to understand and share the feelings of others, highlighting the importance of empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can apply empathy by supporting friends who might also be feeling nervous or scared, creating a supportive community.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Benny encounters setbacks but keeps trying, demonstrating perseverance.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to keep trying in the face of difficulties, whether it’s learning a new skill or improving in a subject at school.