Nervous Nigel
on Goodreads (79)
What’s inside...
Nigel loves swimming and finds the water to be his favorite place to relax and think. However, he experiences anxiety during swimming competitions, which causes his heart to race, his tail to tremble, and his teeth to chatter. The story centers on whether Nigel can gather the courage to express his true feelings about competitions to his family.
Discussion points
How do you think Nigel felt when he had to try something new? Can you share a time when you felt the same?
What are some ways Nigel's friends helped him overcome his fears?
How did Nigel change by the end of the story? What does that teach us about trying new things?
Why is it important to help friends who are feeling nervous or scared?
If you were one of Nigel's friends, what would you have done to help him?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings by relating to Nigel’s experiences. Validate their feelings and share personal anecdotes to create a deeper connection.
Discuss the importance of friendship and teamwork as depicted in the book. Ask your child about their friends and how they help each other in difficult times.
Highlight Nigel’s development throughout the story and discuss the value of perseverance and trying new things, even when they seem scary.
Use the illustrations in the book to point out non-verbal cues that show how Nigel’s feelings change throughout the story.
After reading, encourage your child to draw a picture of a time when they were nervous and how they overcame it, reinforcing the book’s message.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and managing emotions
Explanation: Nervous Nigel portrays the titular character, Nigel, who experiences various anxieties about everyday situations. Through the storyline, children see how Nigel acknowledges his fears and learns coping mechanisms.
Real-World Application: Children can apply Nigel’s experiences to their own lives by learning to recognize their emotions and use similar strategies to manage their fears, such as deep breathing or seeking comfort from a trusted individual.
Example Lesson: Empathy and kindness
Explanation: As Nigel shares his feelings, his friends demonstrate empathy and support, teaching children the importance of being kind and understanding toward others who are experiencing difficulties.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be attentive to the emotions of peers and offer support, mirroring the actions of Nigel’s friends. This can foster a supportive and empathetic environment in school and other social settings.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship
Explanation: Throughout the story, Nigel’s friends play a crucial role in helping him overcome his nervousness. This highlights the importance of having supportive friendships.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to build strong, supportive relationships with their peers. These friendships can become essential sources of support during challenging times.
Example Lesson: Courage to face fears
Explanation: Nigel ultimately takes brave steps to confront the situations that make him nervous, showing that facing one’s fears can lead to personal growth and overcoming anxieties.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to face their fears, no matter how small, understanding that it’s a step towards overcoming their own anxieties and growing more confident in various situations.
Example Lesson: Communication is key
Explanation: Nigel learns to express his feelings to his friends, which is an essential part of his journey in managing his anxieties.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of communicating their feelings clearly to others, helping them to navigate and effectively manage difficult situations through open dialogue.