Mom's Big News
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Jermani, Journi, and Jeremiah are three siblings known for having fun. On the way to school one morning, their mom reveals she wants to have an important talk after school. Jermani, the oldest, fears it could be bad news.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-10
Length
30 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the news Mom shared change how the family felt?
What do you think are some of the best ways to support someone who has big news to share?
Why is it important to share our feelings with our family?
Can you imagine how you would react if you were in the story? What would you do?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story and relate it to any personal experiences with significant news in your own family.
Ask your child to think about how the characters handled their emotions and discuss other ways the characters could have reacted.
Highlight the importance of empathy by discussing how the news affected each character differently, and why it's important to consider other people's feelings.
Use the story as a framework to explain how big news can sometimes be unexpected and discuss how families can support each other through changes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Change
Explanation: In 'Mom's Big News', the protagonist learns to accept and embrace the significant changes brought about by their mother’s big news, helping them navigate through uncertainties.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to adapt to new situations such as moving to a new school or welcoming a new sibling, fostering resilience and flexibility.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family Support
Explanation: The story highlights how the family comes together to support each other after the announcement of the big news, showcasing the strength of familial bonds.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of supporting family members during important life events, encouraging them to actively participate and offer help in family gatherings and discussions.
Example Lesson: Expressing Feelings
Explanation: The characters in 'Mom's Big News' openly express their feelings about the news, which is portrayed as a healthy way for dealing with emotions.
Real-World Application: Children learn to express their thoughts and emotions constructively, whether they are feeling happy, confused, or even upset, which is crucial for emotional development and communication skills.
Example Lesson: Coping with Anxiety
Explanation: As the characters deal with initial anxiety and uncertainty regarding the big news, they learn coping strategies that help them adapt.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to develop their own methods of dealing with anxiety, such as talking to someone they trust or engaging in calming activities, which are essential skills for personal growth and stress management.