Just For You! Low-down Bad-day Blues
#2 of 21 in Just for you! Series
What’s inside...
On a day when everything seems to be going wrong, from cloudy skies to the cancellation of a favorite cartoon, a boy discovers what a difference his attitude can make. Includes activity ideas for parents and children. The JUST FOR YOU!(tm) series features 24 beginning readers written and illustrated by people of color. Young readers will see themselves and their experiences reflected in these delightful books. They will read about how the characters spend their time with family and friends-at home, in school, at the park or barber shop, and other places in their community. These age-appropriate stories include books at three different reading levels. Plus, each book contains instructional-and fun-material for caregivers that targets comprehension and key vocabulary.
Discussion points
What do you think the main character felt when they were having a bad day? Can you describe a time you felt similar?
How did the main character try to improve their day? What would you do in their situation?
What do you think is the message of the story? Why is it important to keep trying even on bad days?
How do the illustrations make you feel? Do they change how you understand the story?
Can you think of ways we can help each other when we're having a low-down bad-day?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing a personal story about overcoming a challenging day, which will give your child a relatable example.
Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts fully without interruption, validating their emotions and perspectives.
Connect the themes of the book to real-life situations in your child's life to make the discussion more relevant and engaging.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child’s responses to dig deeper into their understanding and feelings.
Finish the discussion by brainstorming ways to turn a bad day into a good one, encouraging creativity and problem-solving.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in facing challenges
Explanation: The protagonist of the story faces various obstacles throughout his day but learns to navigate them with patience and determination.
Real-World Application: Children can understand that bad days are part of life and learn to tackle difficulties with a positive attitude and resilience.
Example Lesson: Expression of emotions
Explanation: The story encourages expressing feelings openly, as the protagonist shares his experiences and emotions with his family.
Real-World Application: Kids are taught to communicate their feelings effectively, helping them develop emotional intelligence and stronger family bonds.
Example Lesson: Importance of support systems
Explanation: The protagonist receives understanding and support from family members when things don't go as expected.
Real-World Application: This emphasizes the value of having supportive relationships, guiding children to seek help and comfort from loved ones during tough times.
Example Lesson: Creativity as a coping mechanism
Explanation: When faced with challenges, the character uses creative thinking to solve problems, turning his bad day into a learning experience.
Real-World Application: Children learn to use creativity to handle adverse situations, fostering problem-solving skills and innovative thinking in real life.