Good Deeds Gone Wrong
What’s inside...
It's Good Deeds Week again! Stephen is starting out his favorite week of the year with enthusiasm in his heart and the Good Deeds checklist in his hand. He can hardly wait to get started showing kindness to others. But when one thing after another goes wrong, Stephen becomes all too familiar with the old saying, 'No good deed goes unpunished.' Stephen even considers giving up before he messes up anything else! Will Stephen be able to brush it off and carry on? Based on real kids' experiences with the Great Kindness Challenge, Good Deeds Gone Wrong will make you laugh, make you cringe, and make you wonder why Stephen doesn't give up much sooner! This colorful, engaging picture book will inspire children to persevere in showing kindness, even when it does not turn out as they expect.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-12
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the characters to try and do good deeds?
How did the characters feel when their good deeds didn't go as planned?
Can you think of a time when you tried to help someone and it didn't turn out the way you expected?
What can we learn from the characters' experiences about helping others?
How do you think the story would have changed if the characters had reacted differently to their mistakes?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book. Validate their feelings, whether they’re expressing frustration or amusement over the characters’ mishaps. Use examples from your own experiences when a good deed didn’t go as planned, to make the discussion more relatable. Highlight the importance of intention over outcome in doing good deeds, reassuring your child that it's the thought and effort that counts.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of good intentions
Explanation: In 'Good Deeds Gone Wrong', the characters attempt to do good deeds that don't turn out as planned. This echoes the central theme that having good intentions is important, even if the outcomes aren't perfect.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value the intent behind their actions rather than just the outcomes. This encourages them to continue doing good deeds without fear of imperfection.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters make mistakes while trying to help others. These scenarios teach that mistakes are a natural part of learning and growth.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand that making mistakes is okay and it's an essential step in learning something new. They can apply this understanding in academic settings or when learning new skills without being overly self-critical.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: As the characters in the book reflect on where their good deeds went wrong, they start to understand the feelings and perspectives of others better.
Real-World Application: This story encourages children to consider other people’s feelings and viewpoints, fostering empathy and improving their interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Despite the initial setbacks, the characters in 'Good Deeds Gone Wrong' persist in their efforts to do good, showcasing the value of perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to persist in their endeavors, whether it’s solving a difficult math problem or improving a skill, understanding that perseverance often leads to success.
Example Lesson: Collaboration and asking for help
Explanation: When their plans fail, characters learn to work together and seek advice, highlighting the importance of collaboration and seeking guidance when needed.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of teamwork and asking for help, skills that are valuable in school projects and other group activities.