STEVEN'S BIG CRUSH (SVK #65) (Sweet Valley Kids)
#65 in Sweet Valley Kids Series
on Goodreads (93)
What’s inside...
Tired of having his twin sisters Jessica and Elizabeth tag along wherever he goes, Steven Wakefield becomes even more upset when the twins discover that he has a crush on his dancing school partner, Tina. Original.
Discussion points
How do you think Steven felt when he had his big crush? Can you relate to his feelings?
What are some ways Steven could express his feelings to the person he has a crush on?
How do the other characters in the story react to Steven's crush? What does this tell us about friendship and support?
Can you think of a time when you helped a friend or a friend helped you with a difficult emotion?
What did Steven learn by the end of the story? Have you learned something similar in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to reflect on their own emotions by relating them to Steven's experiences. Discuss the importance of expressing feelings and the role of support from friends and family. Use examples from the book to highlight healthy ways to handle crushes and emotions. Praise your child for sharing and connect their experiences to the story to deepen their understanding and empathy.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Emotions
Explanation: In 'Steven's Big Crush,' the young characters experience a range of emotions, from excitement to jealousy, as Steven develops a crush. The story helps children identify and understand these feelings.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize and express their own emotions more clearly in everyday situations, enhancing emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The book explores how Steven's feelings affect his behavior towards others. It encourages readers to consider how their actions might impact other people.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be a guide for children to practice empathy by being considerate of their friends and family members' feelings in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Resolving Conflicts
Explanation: As conflicts arise due to misunderstandings in the story, the characters learn to communicate and resolve them. This demonstrates the importance of open communication.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these communication skills to resolve disputes with peers or siblings, fostering a better understanding and harmony.
Example Lesson: Respect for Others' Feelings
Explanation: The book portrays how respecting others' feelings can lead to stronger relationships and less conflict.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be mindful of their actions and words towards others in their daily lives, promoting kindness and respect.