Miss Mary Lou asks Why Am I Sad?
What’s inside...
Mary Lou is a curious young girl who wakes up one morning feeling unusually sad and cannot figure out why. As she prepares for school and searches for the cause of her sadness, she remains puzzled. On her way to school, an unexpected friend notices her frown and decides to share his wisdom, teaching Mary Lou about the validity of her emotions.
Age
5-9
Length
28 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made Miss Mary Lou sad?
Can you remember a time when you felt like Miss Mary Lou? What helped you feel better?
Why is it important to talk about our feelings?
How can we help our friends when they are feeling sad?
What are some things that make you happy when you're feeling down?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own feelings about a similar experience to create a comfortable space for your child to open up.
Encourage your child to draw a picture of a scene from the book, then discuss the emotions of the characters in that scene.
Use a reflective listening approach, repeating back what your child says to affirm their feelings and thoughts.
Ask your child to think of different ways Miss Mary Lou could improve her mood and relate those to personal strategies for managing sadness.
Emphasize that it's okay to feel sad sometimes and that sharing and talking about our emotions is healthy.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Emotions
Explanation: Miss Mary Lou guides children through identifying and acknowledging different emotions, particularly sadness.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by learning to recognize their feelings and expressing them appropriately in various situations.
Example Lesson: Empathy Development
Explanation: Through interactive questioning, Miss Mary Lou teaches children to consider why others may feel sad, fostering empathy.
Real-World Application: This promotes understanding and supportive interactions among peers, helping children to be considerate of others' feelings.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The book encourages children to think about solutions to overcome sadness, such as talking to someone they trust or engaging in a loved activity.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to actively seek solutions to their problems, enhancing their resilience and coping mechanisms in real-life challenges.
Example Lesson: Communication Skills
Explanation: Miss Mary Lou emphasizes the importance of talking about feelings with trusted individuals.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to communicate their emotional states effectively, a skill crucial for emotional development and relationships.
Example Lesson: Self-awareness
Explanation: The story prompts children to explore what makes them sad and to understand their own triggers and reactions.
Real-World Application: This helps children gain insights into their personal experiences and behaviors, aiding in self-management and personal growth.