Brnst Brs & the Sitter
The Berenstain Bears Series
on Goodreads (5,488)
What’s inside...
Brother and Sister Bear are not happy with the idea of Mrs. Grizzle for a baby-sitter, but they find her drawstring bag very intriguing.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the cubs feel when they first met the babysitter? Have you ever felt the same way?
What are some ways the babysitter helped make the time fun and safe for the cubs?
How did the cubs' feelings change throughout the story? Can you relate to their experience?
What would you do if you were in Brother or Sister Bear’s shoes when meeting a new babysitter?
How important is trust in the relationship between the cubs and their babysitter? Why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin the conversation by sharing a personal story about your first experience with a babysitter, encouraging your child to open up about their feelings.
Praise your child's responses to create a comfortable environment for sharing thoughts and feelings about the story.
Ask your child to draw a picture of their favorite part of the book, using it as a springboard for deeper discussion about the events and characters.
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they think the babysitter felt arriving at the Bear family’s house and how important kindness is in such situations.
After discussing the book, relate the themes to your child’s life by planning what you both could do to make a new sitter feel welcome or how to behave when someone new comes home.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In 'Brnst Brs & the Sitter', the cubs learn the importance of taking responsibility for their actions when they initially try to challenge the babysitter.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by taking ownership of their duties, such as doing homework or chores without being constantly reminded.
Example Lesson: Respect for Authority
Explanation: The story shows how the cubs eventually understand the importance of respecting the sitter's rules, highlighting respect for authority.
Real-World Application: This lesson aids children in understanding the need to respect teachers, coaches, and other authority figures in their lives.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: The cubs learn to adapt to a new caregiver's methods and rules, demonstrating flexibility.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to be adaptable in situations like new schools or different routines, helping them to thrive in changing environments.
Example Lesson: Trust
Explanation: The Bear cubs initially are skeptical about the new sitter but learn to trust her as the evening progresses.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be open and trusting when meeting new people who are in responsible positions, ensuring they feel secure in new interactions.